Is kidney stone surgery painful?

Modern kidney stone surgery is generally not painful because it is performed under anesthesia. During the procedure, you should not feel pain. After surgery, some patients may experience mild to moderate discomfort, which is usually temporary and can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed.

Many patients worry that kidney stone surgery will be extremely painful. Fortunately, advances in minimally invasive urology have made modern procedures much more comfortable than traditional open surgery.

Most kidney stone treatments, including ESWL, URS, RIRS, and PCNL, are performed under appropriate anesthesia, so patients do not experience pain during the procedure.

Will I feel pain during surgery?

No. Since anesthesia is used, patients generally do not feel pain during kidney stone surgery. The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure and your overall health.

What can I expect after surgery?

After the procedure, it is normal to experience temporary symptoms such as:

• Mild pain or soreness.
• Burning sensation while passing urine.
• Small amounts of blood in the urine for a short period.
• Mild discomfort if a temporary DJ stent has been placed.
• Fatigue for a day or two after anesthesia.

These symptoms usually improve over the next few days with medications and proper hydration.

Does every procedure cause the same amount of discomfort?

Recovery differs depending on the treatment performed.

• ESWL usually causes minimal discomfort because there is no surgical incision.
• URS and RIRS may cause temporary burning during urination or mild discomfort, especially if a DJ stent is used.
• PCNL may involve slightly more discomfort because it requires a small incision in the back, but pain is effectively managed with medications.

When should I contact my doctor?

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not improve with medication.
• High fever or chills.
• Heavy bleeding in the urine.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Persistent vomiting or worsening symptoms.

Prompt medical evaluation helps identify and treat any complications early.

SCI International Hospital / Dr. Gautam Banga

At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, performs advanced minimally invasive kidney stone procedures designed to reduce pain and promote faster recovery. Using modern techniques such as ESWL, URS, RIRS, and PCNL, he focuses on maximizing patient comfort while ensuring effective stone removal. Patients also receive comprehensive post-operative guidance and pain management throughout their recovery.