I'm really confused and worried right now. Yesterday, I had a really bad stomachache and ended up going to the hospital. They gave me an injection for the pain, and after some time, I started feeling better. The doctor took an X-ray and showed me that I have three kidney stones, about 8mm each. He prescribed medicines for 5 days but recommended that I get laser surgery to remove the stones. I'm not sure if I should go through with the surgery. Is it possible to avoid surgery and get rid of the stones with just medication? I'd really appreciate your advice.

Dr Shubham Chauhan

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 4+ Yrs

Consult Now

Given the size (8mm) and number (3) of kidney stones, laser surgery (lithotripsy) is a common and effective treatment, but it's not the only option; your doctor may consider medical expulsive therapy (MET) using medications like alpha-blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin) to help pass the stones naturally; however, the success of MET depends on the size, location, and number of stones, as well as your overall health, so it's essential to discuss the risks and benefits of both surgery and medical treatment with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Answered 18 days ago