My urologist has said that I need surgery to remove my 5 week old 5mm kidney stone. I got a second opinion today from another urologist and he concurred.
I have already had KUB, IVP, Lithitripsy.
My questions arise from what seemed like 2 different procedures that the 2 urologists talked to me about.
1 procedure is the basket surgery afterwich they would put in a stent for about a week. I would then have to go back and have it removed using a Cystoscope.
The second doctor suggested a "laser type procedure in which he goes in and lases the stone. He also puts a stent in, but he called it a "J" stent in which a string hangs out. He said he would have to remove it after the swelling goes down by pulling the string (ouch?) after only 3-4 days.
Has anyone had experience with either of these procedures and which one would you recommend? Is there aparticular stent that is easier to tolerate than the other? What are the upsides and downsides of each procedure... including pain factor would be most appreciated.
Thanks......
