UP: Doctors Successfully Remove 14 cm Kidney Stone in Complex Surgery

In a stunning medical feat, surgeons in the urology department of Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, removed a huge 14-centimeter kidney stone from a 42-year-old patient. The intricate surgery left the patient's kidney intact, which is impressive considering that large stones like these usually require organ removal.

The patient, Gulab Chandra of Mirzapur, had been suffering from eight months of intense abdominal pain and urinary problems. After visiting various hospitals where the removal of the kidney was recommended due to the size of the stone, he came to Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital. On detailed examination, he was found to have a 14 cm stone in his kidney, with numerous small stones in the urinary tract. Even with the size of the stone, his kidney functioned normally, a rare finding in such instances.

The operating team, headed by Dr. Dilip Chaurasia, worked in conjunction with nephrologists, anesthetists, and other experts to conduct the complicated surgery. Using the split-open method, they were able to remove the huge stone and the smaller ones to avoid future complications. The team consisted of Dr. Shirish Mishra, Dr. Deepak Gupta, and Dr. Archit Sabharwal.

Dr. Chaurasia highlighted the significance of this surgery, noting that it could be among the largest kidney stones ever removed worldwide. Previously, in 2004, Dr. Hemendra Shah in Mumbai removed a 13 cm kidney stone. More recently, in June 2023, a Sri Lankan medical team extracted a 13.37 cm stone weighing 801 grams from a patient, setting a Guinness World Record for both size and weight. ^[1]

Learning About Kidney Stones and Their Danger

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard accumulations of salts and minerals that develop within the kidneys. Kidney stones can range in size, with tiny stones passing unnoticed through the urinary tract, while large stones cause unbearable pain and trouble. The reasons behind kidney stone development include dehydration, diet, obesity, and certain illnesses.

The uneventful removal of such a large stone without injury to the kidney highlights the improvement in medical technology and the skill of the surgical team. The case also highlights the need for obtaining several medical opinions, as treatment options may differ considerably.

For those who present symptoms such as recurrent abdominal pain, dysuria, or hematuria, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Complications can be avoided, and outcomes can be improved with early diagnosis and treatment. ^[2]

References:

1. Guinness World Records – World’s largest and heaviest kidney stone removed from Sri Lankan man. Retrieved from: https://guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2023/6/worlds-largest-and-heaviest-kidney-stone-removed-from-sri-lankan-man-753054

2. National Kidney Foundation – Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Retrieved from: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones

‌(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)