| UROLOGY MAIN SITE | GEN. ADULT UROLOGY | UROLOGIC ONCOLOGY | MALE UROLOGY | TRANSPLANT PROGRAM | |
| PELVIC MEDICINE, INCONTINENCE & RECONST. SURGERY | PEDIATRIC UROLOGY | MIN. INVASIVE SURGERY | |||
Kidney Stone Treatment Center
State-of-the-art Treatment for Kidney Stones
Urinary
stone disease is one of the most common urological conditions in the
United States and throughout the world. Stones can result from a variety
of medical and urologic conditions, and may develop in the kidney, ureter,
and bladder.
The treatment of stones requiring surgical intervention has evolved greatly in recent years. Laparascopic techniques, which use miniature instruments and imaging equipment, have revolutionized kidney stone treatment and allow specialists to crush or remove stones using minimally invasive techniques.
The Latest Treatments |
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The Kidney Stone Treatment Center within the UCLA Department of Urology offers the latest treatments for kidney stones with success rates well above the national average. Under the direction of Peter Schulam, M.D., UCLA's Stone Treatment Center offers state-of-the-art care for kidney stones including:
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Non-invasive extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) – Involves the use of sound waves to crush the kidney stone into smaller pieces so they can more easily pass into the bladder.
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Percutaneous nephrolithotomy or lithotripsy – Uses laparascopic techniques to either remove or break up the stone
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Ureteroscopy – Involves passing a very thin scope up into the urinary tract, allowing specialists to use instruments to remove or break up the stone. Ureteral stents may also be used in some instances to keep the ureter open and allow passage of any stone particles.
The center uses the latest advances in lithotripter intrarenal, intraureteral,
and minimally invasive surgery. UCLA has a reputation for successful
management of difficult stones, achieving an 89 percent stone-free rate
after surgery, compared to the national average of 73 percent.
