Doctors at KIMS Hospital, Kurnool, successfully removed a large kidney stone from a pregnant woman in her early second trimester, ensuring the safety of both the mother and the foetus.
Dr. Y. Manoj Kumar, Head of the Department of Urology and Senior Consultant Urologist, said the patient was admitted with severe flank pain and fever. Diagnostic tests revealed a 16-mm stone lodged in the renal pelvis. Although doctors at another hospital had placed a ureteric stent, her symptoms persisted. Consequently, they referred her to KIMS Hospital for advanced treatment.
Definitive Procedure Performed
After stabilising the patient with intravenous antibiotics, the medical team counselled her family about the potential risks, including miscarriage and infection. They then proceeded with a definitive intervention.
The team performed a Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) under general anaesthesia and used laser technology to fragment and completely remove the kidney stone. As per a press release, the patient experienced complete relief from pain and fever following the procedure.
A follow-up scan conducted 10 days later confirmed that the stone had been completely cleared. Moreover, doctors found the foetus to be healthy, with normal cardiac activity and growth parameters.
Rare Procedure During Pregnancy
Kidney stones during pregnancy are relatively uncommon, affecting only 0.03% to 0.5% of pregnancies worldwide. In most cases, doctors manage the condition conservatively or through temporary drainage procedures. However, performing definitive stone removal through RIRS at 14 weeks of pregnancy, particularly in the presence of persistent infection, is considered both rare and technically challenging.
Multidisciplinary Team Ensured Safe Outcome
Dr. Y. Manoj Kumar led the multidisciplinary team that carried out the procedure. Dr. Pruthvi, Junior Consultant Urologist, Dr. Kusuma, Consultant Gynaecologist, and Dr. Indu Priya from the Department of Anaesthesiology supported the surgery. Their coordinated efforts ensured the safety of both the mother and the unborn child throughout the treatment.
Importance of Timely Intervention
Dr. Manoj Kumar said such procedures require meticulous planning, advanced equipment and an experienced multidisciplinary team to minimise risks and achieve favourable outcomes. He added that timely medical intervention played a crucial role in the successful management of this case.
Hospital authorities said the successful procedure reflects the expertise of the institution’s Department of Urology in managing complex and high-risk cases.