Nephrolithotomy surgery abroad is a welcome option for patients requiring a kidney stone removal surgery, but cannot get one in their home country due to factors including costs or waiting lists. Sometimes patients might not find medically advanced centers in their county, in which getting a kidney stone removal surgery overseas seems to be the best bet. A kidney stone removal in the U.S. cost includes surgery as well as pre and post operative expenses such as check ups, medication and follow ups.

This cost is greatly reduced when the patient opts for a nephrolithotomy abroad. Many destinations have emerged as medical tourism centers, where patients can get treatments at reduced prices. When it comes to nephrolithotomy, India has lately come up as a much sought after medical destination. Kidney stone removal surgery in India is available at an effective price, providing optimum medical care.

Indian medical tourism services arrange a comfortable and low cost medical treatment package for foreign patients to get a successful kidney stone surgery in India at various Urosurgery centers. Several packages are offered for patients who opt for a nephrolithotomy in India, depending upon the individual’s requirements. In addition to India, Mexico also offers low cost nephrolithotomy surgery. Nephrolithotomy surgery in Mexico is also performed by qualified doctors and the costs are quite affordable.

Nephrolithotomy, or Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, also called PCNL, is the surgical removal of stones from the kidney via a small puncture wound, (up to about 1 cm) through the skin. Usually administered under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, a nephrolithotomy is most suitable to remove stones which are more than 2 centimeters in size. Cost of a nephrolithotomy varies depending upon a patient’s individual requirements and circumstances.

On this page, you will find general information on nephrolithotomy, how kidney removal is undertaken, a brief overview on the procedures involved in nephrolithotomy, as well as the recovery time. Also, we will throw some light on nephrolithotomy surgery abroad, with special focus on India and Mexico, where patients can get a nephrolithotomy at very affordable rates.

Symptoms that Point to a Possible Nephrolithotomy Surgery

Kidney stones are often painless and show no alarming symptoms. Mostly they just pass off on their own. However, some kidney stones do not get expelled from the body on their own, and need surgical removal. These stones will give out the following symptoms:

• Sudden intense pain in the lower back, usually on the side of the affected kidney
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• Pain during urination
• Need to urinate frequently
• Fever and chills

Immediate medical attention is required upon the occurrence of these symptoms. Once a kidney stone condition is established, the doctor will recommend a nephrolithotomy as soon as possible.

Nephrolithotomy Procedure

A nephrolithotomy is performed under general anesthesia and normally requires about 7-10 days of hospitalization, both pre and post surgery. An incision is made usually around the back, along the last rib. It may also be made on the stomach when the surgery is open and a part of the kidney is to be removed as well. The stones are taken out by the surgeon and the incision is closed.
Due to the use of general anesthesia, the patient might feel disoriented for around 24 hours. Pain killers are given to control any discomfort. Complete recovery post a nephrolithotomy surgery can take up to 2 months. Light physical activities can be resumed a month after the surgery, while it can take up to two months to restart more strenuous activities.

Types of Nephrolithotomy Surgery Procedures

Standard Nephrolithotomy – This surgical procedure takes about 3-4 hours to complete and is administered under general anesthesia. A small incision is made in the patient’s back on the side overlying the affected kidney. A track is then created from the skin surface into the kidney and enlarged using a series of Teflon dilators. A nephroscope (instrument with a fibre-optic light source and two channels for viewing the insides of the kidney and washing out the area) is inserted in the enlarged track. Smaller kidney stones are removed directly, while larger ones are broken. The incision is closed and a catheter is placed to drain the urinary system. Over the next 24 hours, kidney stones which were broken into smaller pieces are drained out of the body.

Mini-percutaneous Nephrolithotomy – A relatively newer form of PCNL, this nephrolithotomy procedure is performed with a miniaturized nephroscope. Although it cannot be used for larger kidney stones, it has been found to be 99% effective in removing smaller stones. The advantages of a MPCNL include fewer complications, lesser operating time (about one and a half hours) and a shorter recovery time.

Risks Associated with Nephrolithotomy Surgery

There are some risks associated with a kidney stone removal surgery. They are:

• Bleeding which maybe a result of injury of blood vessels within the kidney
• Infections
• Injury to the colon
• Injury to the renal blood vessels
• Urinary leak may persist for few days
• Sepsis, a serious medical condition characterized by a whole body inflammatory state

Nephrolithotomy Recovery

The complete recovery period post a nephrolithotomy surgery is generally 2-3 months. Post operation, the patient is hospitalized for 2-3 days and all body functions are closely monitored. Follow ups are the most essential thing and depending upon the requirements, the surgeon comes up with a follow up schedule for each patient which should be religiously followed. Pain killers and other prescribed medicines help speed up the recovery process

Patients are advised to ease into their daily routine. Light activities can be resumed after a couple of days, whereas complete return to strenuous activities can take up to 2 months.

Cost of Nephrolithotomy Surgery Abroad

The nephrolithotomy procedure includes surgery costs as well the pre and post operation costs. This expenditure is increased, when coupled with the costs of ultrasounds, scans, medication and follow up visits. The total cost of a kidney removal surgery is, at times, too expensive for every patient to afford. Also, in their own country patients might face issues like lack of advanced medical facilities or long waiting lists. This is where the option of getting a nephrolithotomy surgery abroad comes in. India and Mexico have lately emerged as the preferred destinations for a kidney removal surgery. Nephrolithotomy in India is offered at affordable costs and performed by well qualified and experienced surgeons (https://www.medicaltourismco.com/india-hospitals/doctors/dr-haresh-dodeja.php).

Nephrolithotomy Surgery in India

A nephrolithotomy surgery is India is a very good and cost effective option for international patients seeking a safe and low cost kidney stone removal operation. The country houses some of the most advanced medical centers with well experienced and qualified doctors. Many foreign patients are treated for kidney stones in India every year. The cost of medical treatment in India is affordable and the reason India is a favorable destination is because of its infrastructure and technology, which it is at par with those in the western nations. India is fast emerging as the most competent and cost effective contender in the world medical tourism scenario.
Uninsured patients can also get a nephrolithotomy surgery in India with the help of medical tourism companies. A nephrolithotomy surgery in India costs much less, and even after you sum up all the traveling, accommodation and medication expenses, it is still quite affordable.

Nephrolithotomy in Mexico

Mexico is also a preferred destination for patients seeking a low cost and safe kidney stone removal surgery. Offering advanced medical facilities, the country is a favorable option for patients from the U.S. and Canada, due to its proximity to their home nations. Every year, many nephrolithotomy surgeries are successfully administered in Mexico. The surgery costs are less and the facilities are at par with those in the western nations.

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Answers.com – Nephrolithotomy

Dr. Haresh Dodeja

Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates low cost Nephrolithotomy Surgery Abroad in India. Fill out the free estimate request form for a free quote & more information.