Ambulatory Tubeless PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) and Stentless MiniPCNL
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a surgical procedure to remove kidney stones. Dr. Todd enters the kidney through a tiny incision and breaks up and vacuums out the stone with a special scope and an ultrasound wand. It has the highest stone free rate of any kidney stone surgery. The procedure is outpatient and takes 1-2 hours to complete. Recovery typically takes 1-2 weeks.
Vacuum-assisted Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy has been the gold standard for removal of obstructing stones in ureter. Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy is an outpatient endoscopic procedure, where the surgeon uses a ureteroscope to travel through the urethra and bladder, up the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) and find the stone. A small laser fiber is then used to break the stone into dust or small pieces. After the procedure, a stent is left in for 5-7 days to allow the inflammation to reside. It is then removed in the office or at home.
Metabolic Kidney Stone Management and Prevention
About 10% of Americans are affected by kidney stones. But in Kentucky, that rate is nearly double the national average. Dr. Todd performs a full assessment with a 24 hr urine collection, blood tests, and a careful history (dietary, family, and medical) before working with the patient on a customized prevention plan.
Advanced Testing
There are now commercially available DNA/RNA tests to identify people with genetic disorders that contribute to kidney stones. Furthermore, there are now monoclonal antibody treatments for some of them, like primary hyperoxaluria.
