You will likely be able to resume normal activities within: Two to three days of having an external shock wave lithotripsy procedure or ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy. One to two weeks after undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy.

Kidney stones are found in children as young as 5 years. The two most important reasons are not drinking enough fluids and eating foods that are high in salt. Kids should eat less salty potato chips and French fries. There are other salty foods: sandwich meats, canned soups, packaged meals, and even some sports drinks. Sodas and other sweetened beverages can also increase the risk of stones if they contain high fructose corn syrup.

Like the horns of a stag (deer), these stones get their name from the shape they take as they grow to fill the inside of the kidney. Staghorn stones often form because of repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) with certain kinds of bacteria. Even though they can grow to a large size, you may have no idea you have them because they cause little or no pain. A staghorn stone can lead to poor kidney function, even without blocking the passage of urine. Most often, staghorn-shaped stones are the struvite/infection type of stone.

Kidney stones are more common in people who have a family member with kidney stones. Some conditions that cause stones may be inherited. But sometimes kidney stones form in relatives because of similar diets and lifestyles.

Diet changes recommended tor heart conditions also often help prevent stones. A healthy diet with lots of Fresh fruits and vegetables and less animal protein and salt can help avoid stones and other conditions. You can learn more from your  dietician. Keeping a normal weight can also help avoid diabetes and stones.

Yes, kidney stones are serious as if untreated; they can lead to further problems of urinary tract infections and kidney damage. The growth of bacteria can lead to blockage and infection. Also, the presence of kidney stones for long can build up pressure on the kidneys and hamper their functioning.

If a stone in the ureter does not pass in a reasonable time or is causing pain or infection, you will need endoscopic surgery to remove it.

Except for uric acid stones, none of the stones can be dissolved by any form of medicine, let it be homoeopathy, allopathy or Ayurveda. Yes, one can pass a stone naturally when it is small, but for a stone to be able to pass out with the help of water and medicines, it has to be smaller than 6 -8 mm in size. Anything bigger than 8 mm has a less than 10% chance of passing out intact. Stones above 10mm in size should not be given medical treatment at all. It is very important to treat the stone when it is small and complications have not set in. The earlier the patient consults his urologist, the easier, cheaper, faster and less painful it is to remove his or her stone.

Beer does not help in dissolving kidney stones. In fact, beer is known to have excess oxalates and uric acid hence it can accelerate stone growth. There may be some diuretic (more urine production) effect of beer, but other fluids can also achieve this effect.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on what to do with your medications and diet before the date of your procedure. Most laser kidney stone treatments are done on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day.

You will have general anesthesia, so you will sleep through surgery. This helps make sure that you are still when the small instruments are inside your body. Newer lasers are precise and powerful which can make it easier for the surgeon to control and fragment the stone. This helps reduce the time of your surgery, so you can spend less time asleep and get back to your normal routine faster.