Holmium Laser Lithotripsy Can Be Performed to Effectively Eliminate Kidney Stones

Dr. Luis Herrera can perform kidney stone surgery to remove kidney stones from the kidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra using a laser to pulverize the stones, and then eliminate them through the urinary tract. Our Tijuana, Mexico, urology center is equipped with the latest technology, including the Holmium Laser, which allows patients to experience immediate relief of symptoms and a quicker recovery. Holmium laser lithotripsy is recommended for patients with multiple, difficult-to-pass stones as a safer and more effective approach to using shockwave technology or undergoing invasive surgery.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are small, crystalized deposits made of minerals and acid salts that form inside your kidneys and cause significant pain when passed through your urinary tract. Often times, due to their size and texture, kidney stones can get trapped and prevent your urinary tract from functioning properly. If left unaddressed, it can lead to increased pain, chronic urinary tract infections, and irreparable kidney damage.

Dr. Herrera can perform kidney stone surgery with the Holmium Laser to effectively eliminate your stones and symptoms.

Dehydration due to poor water intake and other conditions, such as diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, high blood pressure, and too much calcium in the body can all cause kidney stones to develop. The common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:

  • Difficulty urinating
  • Blood in the urine
  • Pain or cramping in the lower back, side, abdomen, or groin
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Fever and chills
  • Increased urination
  • Cloudy or foul smelling urine

Kidney Stone Surgery with Laser Lithotripsy

Holmium laser lithotripsy for kidney stone surgery can effectively remove painful stones that are located throughout the urinary tract, including the kidneys, bladder, ureter, and urethra. Although labeled kidney surgery, this procedure does not require any incisions, sutures, or bandages. During the procedure, Dr. Herrera will place you under anesthesia to ensure optimal comfort. Once you are comfortable, he will use a ureteroscope to identify the exact location of the stones. A small flexible laser is then inserted through the scope, and once activated, the laser breaks up the stone into smaller fragments for easy passage and elimination through the urinary tract.

The ultrasound shockwaves break the kidney stones into smaller pieces that are then eliminated by the body. 

What to Expect After the Procedure

After the procedure, you may feel a little groggy and nauseous due to the anesthesia. This will eventually pass within the next several hours, but we recommend having a loved one available to drive you home. Because kidney stone surgery is an outpatient procedure, patients can return home the same day.

Once the anesthesia wears off, it is not uncommon to experience mild discomfort followed by blood in your urine, but once the stone passes, you will be able to urinate normally. Most patients are able to pass the stone within 24 ours, but it could take longer for larger stones. Taking medications as recommended, resting, and drinking plenty of fluids will encourage smooth kidney stone elimination and a successful recovery.

Benefits of Laser Lithotripsy

Compared to other forms of kidney removal, laser lithotripsy provides many benefits, especially when performed by Dr. Herrera, including:

  • Successful kidney stone removal
  • Elimination of painful symptoms
  • Faster recovery with minimal side effects
  • Safe and effective procedure
  • Reduced risk for kidney or urinary tract complications

Schedule Your Visit

If are experiencing painful urination and low back pain, followed by any of the side effects listed above, you may have kidney stones. At our state-of-the-art urology center, Dr. Herrera can perform kidney stone surgery with the Holmium Laser to effectively eliminate your stones and symptoms. Contact us online or call (619) 392-8516 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Herrera.

Dr. Luis Herrera

Unidad de Urología Dr. Luis Herrera

Dr. Luis Herrera is a board-certified urologist practicing in Tijuana, Mexico, just a few minutes south of the border. He provides patients from throughout Mexico as well as medical tourists with a variety of advanced urologic treatments, including vasectomy, shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction, and laser kidney stone removal surgery. Dr. Herrera is affiliated with several prestigious organizations, including:

  • La Sociedad Mexicana de Urología
  • The European Association of Urology
  • The American Endourological Society
  • The American Urological Association

For more information, or to request an appointment, please contact us online or call (619) 392-8516.

Send Us a Message Today

"Dr. Herrera literally changed my life. Without him and his services, I still wouldn't be confident in myself as a man and now I am more confident than ever."

Rate, Review & Explore

Social Accounts Sprite