What you need to know about Kidney Stones Treatment in Thailand
Kidney Stones Treatment in Thailand can be a great experience for those who are seeking immediate relief from their suffering. From successful diagnosis, treatment options to post-operative care, Thai medical experts are renowned for their excellent care.
The most common treatment for kidney stones is minimally invasive lithotripsy, which uses ultrasonic shock waves to break up the stones. This treatment is approved internationally and Thailand is renowned for being one of the few countries to provide such non-surgical intervention to patients. Furthermore, the lithotripsy procedure is performed under general anaesthesia as it requires no incisions.
Another treatment option is the ureteroscopic lithotripsy which requires the stone to be broken up inside the ureter tube, close to the kidneys. In some cases, a ureteroscopic procedure is done with the guidance of a cystoscope to help reach the stones deep within the ureter. A stent can then be placed for a better outcome.
In any case, it is important for the patient to understand and be aware of what possibilities there are before making any decision. Upon receiving an accurate diagnosis from the physician, you should be given all the available options with detailed explanations and potential risks.
Furthermore, patients should make sure to ask about the success rated of the treatment and the surgeon’s experience before proceeding with the treatment. The post-operative care should also be discussed to ensure a safe and quick recovery with minimal discomfort.
Thailand has a variety of well-equipped medical centres with experienced specialists and a range of comprehensive treatments available that are minimally invasive and effective. If you are looking to get a kidney stones treatment in Thailand, it is important to do your research and understand your medical condition before making any decisions. With accurate diagnosis, a range of treatment options and excellent aftercare, you can make an informed decision.
What are the types of kidney stones treatments available in Thailand?
In Thailand, there are various treatment options for kidney stones available for patients. Depending on the size, location and type of stone, various modalities of treatment can be employed. These include Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Ureteroscopy and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses shockwaves to break large stones into small fragments that can be easily eliminated. The cost is around 25,000 Thai Baht (Approx. USD 800). Ureteroscopy is an endoscopic procedure to remove small stones from the ureter or renal pelvis and can cost 15,000 Thai Baht (Approx. USD 500). PCNL is an invasive surgical technique used to remove large stones from the kidney and it is costly at around 45,000 Thai Baht (Approx. USD 1,500). Although medications can be administered to assist with dissolving the stones, they are not recommended as the primary treatment unless it is a small stone.
What types of medical professionals provide kidney stone treatment in Thailand?
In Thailand, many medical professionals are available to treat kidney stones. A urologist, who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases and disorders of the urinary tract, is typically the first physician to consult for kidney stone treatment. Depending on the size and location of the stone in the kidney, a patient may seek additional care from a radiologist who uses various techniques such as ultrasound and X-ray to facilitate stone removal. The last line of care for treating the stone is a nephrologist who uses techniques such as lithotripsy and ureteroscopy depending on the stone size, sometimes accompanied with laser ablation. The cost of such treatment is variable depending on facility and other factors, but some general pricing may be a consultation fee of ฿500-2000 ($15-$60) and a lithotripsy fee of ฿30,000 ($953).
What is the cost of kidney stone treatment in Thailand?
The cost of kidney stone treatment in Thailand varies depending on specific factors such as the size of the stone, the size of the surgical area, the type of procedure and the hospital chosen. The average price for the most common procedures for kidney stone treatment starts at about 65,000 THB (approx. 2,100 USD). Additional expenses for medicines and hospitalization charges may apply. Although, the exact cost and other healthcare details will depend on each patient and should be discussed with a doctor.
Are there any preventative measures to take to avoid getting kidney stones?
Yes, there are several measures that you can consider to avoid getting kidney stones. Firstly, it is recommended to drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout your day to help flush out substances that may form stones. Drinking at least 2 liters (approximately 0.5 gallon) of water per day is a good start. Additionally, avoiding eating excess animal proteins, such as red meat and eggs, as well as reducing intake of salt, sugar and processed foods, may also help lower the risk of developing kidney stones. In some cases, you may also want to talk to your doctor about taking medication to decrease the risk of calcium stones. Finally, having an imaging test (CT scan) to check for kidney stones and regularly monitoring the levels of calcium and oxalate in the urine may also be helpful - CT scan cost upwards of 2,000 MYR (approx. 500 USD) depending on the hospital.
How long does kidney stone treatment typically take in Thailand?
A kidney stone treatment typically, depending on the complexity, could take anywhere between a week to a few weeks in Thailand. The duration of the treatment is determined by the size of the stones, the location of the stones, and the degree of blockage.Generally, if the stones are small and located higher in the urinary tract, they canpass without treatment; this usually takes 4-8 weeks. Minimally invasive procedures, such as shock wave lithotripsy, could take 1-2 days in hospital, while a Ureteroscopic stone extraction could take 1-3 days. The cost of a kidney stone treatment ranges from ฿10,000-30,000 (approx. USD 300-900).
Are there any holistic treatments for kidney stones in Thailand?
Yes, there are holistic treatments available for kidney stones in Thailand. Traditional remedies and alternative approaches such as yoga, massage and herbal treatments are known to reduce the pain and severity of the kidney stones. Acupuncture is also known to be a very effective way to reduce the condition and other related symptoms. Additionally, herbs such as Black Pepper, Rehmali, Turmeric etc., are said to help dissolve the kidney stones in a safe manner. Most holistic treatments will cost between 1000-2000 Thai Baht (approx. USD 33 to 66).