Lipotrypsy (kidney stone removal)

The procedure to remove a large kidney stone embedded inelegantly at the top of Marty's ureter was successful today. The ureter was inflamed all around the stone, which indicates that the stone would surely have caused serious trouble if left unaddressed.

After general anesthesia, a camera scope was inserted up Marty's ureter to view the stone and condition of the ureter. Then, a laser was used to break the stone into removable pieces. These pieces will be analyzed so that recommendations can be made for prevention of future kidney stones. All of the stone was removed.

Due to ureter inflammation, a stent was left in pace to assure flow from the kidney to the bladder. This will be removed next week.

None of this could be described as "comfortable" for Marty, but he is not in any high degree of pain either. Urination is likely to be frequent and bloody for the next several weeks. Both antibiotics and pain meds have been prescribed.

Although being in surgery mode again has stress levels for both of us, this one was a breeze in comparison to much more dramatic and major surgeries that Marty has experienced.

No recovery problems are predicted or expected. Fingers crossed for no more surgeries in our household!