Mr. An, a 74-year-old man from Dong Nai, had been struggling with a urinary tract infection that persisted for a long time. After visiting the doctor, he discovered a large mass of coral stones in his left kidney, measuring 10×5 cm with branches resembling ginger root. This was the reason why his infection had not been cured.
About six years ago, Mr. An had a small stone in his left kidney but did not seek treatment for occasional pain in his back and hips. Recently, he developed a fever and chills, leading to a diagnosis of a urinary tract infection. Despite three weeks of antibiotic treatment, his condition did not improve, prompting a visit to Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for further examination.
Specialist II Pham Thanh Truc from the Department of Urology identified the mass of coral stones in Mr. An’s left kidney. Due to the complex structure of the stones, traditional open surgery posed risks to his kidney function. Percutaneous lithotripsy, a less invasive and more modern approach, was chosen for his treatment.
During the percutaneous lithotripsy procedure, small tools were inserted through a tiny “tunnel” in Mr. An’s back to break up and remove the stones. This approach was less damaging to his kidney function and allowed for a quicker recovery. The treatment was divided into two sessions to ensure complete removal of the stones while preserving his health.
After the successful treatment, Mr. An’s kidney function was preserved, and he was discharged from the hospital two days after the procedure. Dr. Truc emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups to prevent complications from kidney stones, particularly coral stones, which can grow silently over time without causing typical symptoms.
To prevent coral stones, Dr. Truc recommends staying hydrated, limiting certain foods, and avoiding holding urine for too long. Early detection and treatment of urinary tract infections are crucial to preventing complications and preserving kidney function.