Control complications and prevent recurrence of urinary stones

On the morning of August 19, within the framework of the Continuous Medical Knowledge Update Week 2025, Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital organized a Urology Seminar with the topic 'Controlling complications and preventing recurrent urinary stones'.

The event attracted more than 150 doctors, nurses and students specializing in urology and nephrology from all over the country, focusing on three key issues: minimally invasive treatment technology, complication control and recurrence prevention strategies.

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Dr. Do Anh Toan, Head of the Department of Urology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, said: "Treatment of urinary stones today does not stop at just removing stones. More importantly, we must ensure procedural safety, minimize complications and proactively prevent recurrence. The workshop is an opportunity for colleagues to share experiences, update advanced techniques, thereby improving the quality of treatment for patients."

Dr. Do Anh Toan reports at the conference

Photo: BVCC

Scientific reports at the conference focused on the outstanding advances of endoscopic surgery in the treatment of urinary stones. Dr. Do Anh Toan presented his experience with percutaneous endoscopic lithotripsy (PCNL) technique to optimize tunnel size, helping to shorten surgery time, reduce bleeding rate and complications. Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Thai, Department of Urology, shared solutions to control complications in flexible endoscopy (fURS), especially in cases of complex stones or difficult-to-reach locations.

Experts agree that careful preoperative assessment of the ureter and renal pelvis, selection of appropriate equipment, and strict adherence to aseptic procedures are key to ensuring safety.

A clear demonstration of the effectiveness of minimally invasive techniques is the case of a 45-year-old female patient who was found to have a 2.5 cm right kidney stone spreading into many renal calyces. Previously, the patient may have had to undergo open surgery or lithotripsy multiple times, but doctors at the Department of Urology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, have performed lithotripsy through the urinary tract using a flexible endoscope combined with laser. After only 30 minutes, the stone was completely removed, leaving no incisions on the skin, the patient only had mild pain and was discharged after 2 days.

Dr. Do Anh Toan commented: "This case shows that flexible endoscopy helps to completely treat large stones in just one intervention, safely and with quick recovery, something that traditional methods find difficult to achieve."

Dr. Do Anh Toan performs kidney stone surgery

Photo: BVCC

The role of preventing urinary stone recurrence

Not only focusing on treatment, the workshop also emphasized the role of recurrence prevention, which is a major challenge in the management of urinary stone disease. Associate Professor - Doctor - Doctor Nguyen Tuan Vinh, President of the Ho Chi Minh City Urology - Nephrology Association, Member of the Executive Committee of the Vietnam Urology - Nephrology Association, analyzed metabolic factors, diet and regular monitoring strategies, emphasizing that many patients have recurrence of stones within 5-10 years if they do not change their lifestyle or are not assessed for risk early. Combining dietary adjustment, drinking enough water, increasing exercise with preventive medical treatment will help prolong the recurrence time and improve quality of life.

The case discussion sessions at the workshop provided an opportunity for students and colleagues to exchange experiences and resolve difficult situations in clinical practice. As a result, treatment solutions were personalized and more suitable for each patient. The workshop ended with a high consensus on continuing to expand the application of minimally invasive techniques, improving the process of controlling complications and building a sustainable strategy for preventing recurrence.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/kiem-soat-tai-bien-va-phong-ngua-soi-tiet-nieu-tai-phat-185250819174139516.htm