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In open surgery to remove kidney stones, the surgeon uses an incision in the person's abdomen or side to reach the kidney and remove the stones. He or she then puts a small tube (catheter) near the kidney to drain urine until the kidney heals.
You will be in the hospital for 6 to 9 days. You are usually able to resume your normal activities within 4 to 6 weeks.
Open surgery is rarely needed to remove kidney stones. You may need it if:
An increased risk of getting a hernia, Opens dialog where the cut was made for surgery.
There also is the risk that the kidney may be severely damaged by the open surgery and may have to be removed.
During recovery at home, call your surgeon immediately if you have:
Sudden pain.
Fever.
Nausea or vomiting.
Signs of infection, such as swelling or redness around the incision.
The use of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and ureteroscopy to remove kidney stones has nearly eliminated the need for open surgery to remove stones.
The recovery time following open surgery is much longer than the recovery time for the treatments listed above.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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