Kidney stones are small, hard deposits made of mineral and acid salts that form inside the kidneys. According to MayoClinic.com, these are also called renal lithiasis and can form when the urine becomes concentrated. This can cause the minerals to crystallize and form stones. Kidney stones are painful, causing a pain that begins in the side or back, just below the ribs, and moves to the lower abdomen and groin. The stones are usually passed out through the urine; however, in some cases surgery may be required. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is the most common kidney stone surgery and its complications are listed below.
Kidney Infection and Bleeding
According to Medline Plus, infection is a complication of kidney stone surgery, and so is bleeding. The bleeding can occur around the kidneys and the individual may require blood transfusion. Infection and excessive bleeding can also occur around the organs adjacent to the kidney.
Lack of Proper Functioning of the Kidneys
Medline Plus says that the kidneys may not get back their proper functioning after kidney stone surgery. Patients are also at risk for kidney failure.
Pain and Discomfort
MayoClinic.com states that kidney stone surgery involves using shock waves to break the stones into tiny pieces so they can be passed out through the urine. However, while the pieces of stone pass through the urinary tract, it may cause discomfort and pain to the individual. These fragments may also block the flow of the urine from the kidney. It can cause severe pain and also damage the kidney. It is also possible that all the tiny pieces may not pass out of the body and instead may get lodged in the urinary tract. This may cause severe pain and the individual may require an additional surgery.
Other Complications
Kidney stone surgery may have a few other complications, as reported by the National Kidney Foundation. It states that besides kidney injury, the procedure may also cause high blood pressure and diabetes in the individual. However, whether these two complications are indeed possible due to this surgery is controversial and further studies are required. Medline Plus says that this procedure may also cause ulcers in the stomach and the small intestine.
