Urology

Kidney Stones

ESWL shock wave, ureteroscopy (URS) with holmium laser, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) widely available.

Treatment Options

Recommended Centers

$2,500

Starting From

7-21 days

Typical Wait

Treatment Plans for Kidney Stones

Compare evidence-based options at top Chinese hospitals — transparent pricing, typical wait, and recovery time.

Flagship Plan

Ureteroscopy + Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

Flexible URS with laser fragmentation for stones <2cm.

Wait Time

3-5 days

Hospital Stay

1-2 days

Recovery

1 week

Estimated Price

Approx. $3,500

View Detailed Introduction — Procedure, Price Comparison & More

Price Comparison: China vs. USA

🇨🇳 China

$2,500

🇺🇸 USA

$13,750+

Save up to $11,250 per treatment

Procedure Steps

Pre-op: CT KUB + urine culture + stent placement if obstruction

Spinal or general anesthesia + lithotomy position

Flexible ureteroscope (with digital sensor) advanced through urethra → bladder → ureter

Guidewire placement + ureteral access sheath (9.5-14F)

Stone visualization + holmium:YAG laser dusting or fragmentation

Laser settings: low-energy high-frequency for dusting (0.3J × 50Hz)

Basket extraction of larger fragments

JJ stent placement × 1-2 weeks

What is RIRS?

Retrograde intrarenal surgery uses a flexible ureteroscope to access kidney stones through the natural urinary tract — no skin incisions. The holmium laser fragments stones into fine dust that passes spontaneously.

Why China?

Cost: $3,500-$6,500 vs. $10,000-$25,000 in the US
Latest scopes: Single-use LithoVue, reusable WiScope — at major urology centers
Thulium fiber laser: Faster dusting than holmium, available at premium centers
Same-day discharge: Outpatient procedure possible

Who is a candidate?

Ureteric or kidney stones <2cm
Failed SWL
Lower pole stones 1-2cm
Anticoagulated patients (lower bleeding risk than PCNL)
Bilateral stones

Outcomes

Stone-free rate: 85-95% for stones <1cm, 75-85% for 1-2cm. Complication rate: <5%. Return to normal activities: 3-5 days.

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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

For large staghorn stones — direct kidney puncture approach.

Wait Time

5-7 days

Hospital Stay

5-7 days

Recovery

2-3 weeks

Estimated Price

Approx. $6,500

View Detailed Introduction — Procedure, Price Comparison & More

Price Comparison: China vs. USA

🇨🇳 China

$5,000

🇺🇸 USA

$22,500+

Save up to $17,500 per treatment

Procedure Steps

Pre-op: non-contrast CT + urine culture + coagulation panel

General anesthesia + prone or supine position

Retrograde ureteral catheter placement for injection of contrast/methylene blue

Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided puncture of target calyx

Tract dilation to 24-30F (mini-PCNL: 16-22F)

Nephroscope insertion + stone fragmentation (laser or pneumatic)

Stone extraction with basket or suction

Nephrostomy tube placement × 1-2 days or tubeless exit

What is PCNL?

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the gold-standard treatment for large kidney stones (>2cm) and complex staghorn calculi. Through a small flank incision, a tract is created to the kidney allowing direct stone fragmentation and removal.

Why China?

Mini-PCNL expertise: Chinese urologists pioneered mini (16-22F) and super-mini (12-14F) PCNL for reduced morbidity
Cost: $4,500-$8,500 vs. $15,000-$35,000 in the US
Ultrasound-guided puncture: Reduces radiation exposure, improves accuracy
Same-session bilateral: Both kidneys treatable in one anesthesia

Who is a candidate?

Kidney stones >2cm (or >1.5cm in lower pole)
Staghorn calculi
Cystine or struvite stones
Failed SWL/RIRS
Anatomic abnormalities (horseshoe kidney, calyceal diverticulum)

Outcomes

Stone-free rate single session: 75-90% (depending on size/complexity). Major complications: 3-5% (bleeding, infection). Hospital stay: 3-5 days standard, 1-2 days tubeless.

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Prices are indicative ranges in USD based on partner hospital published rates. Final quote depends on your medical records and selected hospital — request a free personalized estimate.

Why China for Kidney Stones

High-volume teams at 1/4 US cost; same-day URS + laser lithotripsy common.

Recommended Hospitals for Kidney Stones

Hand-picked by case volume, outcomes, and international patient experience.

Beijing

About Kidney Stones

Common Symptoms

Severe flank pain
Hematuria
Nausea/vomiting
Urinary urgency
Fever (if infected)

Common Causes

Dehydration
Hypercalciuria
Hyperoxaluria
Uric acid lithiasis
Genetics

Diagnostic Methods

Non-contrast CT (KUB)
Ultrasound
Urinalysis
24-hour urine chemistry

Related Conditions

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Kidney Stones

Treatment Plans for Kidney Stones

Ureteroscopy + Holmium Laser Lithotripsy

What is RIRS?

Why China?

Who is a candidate?

Outcomes

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

What is PCNL?

Why China?

Who is a candidate?

Outcomes

Why China for Kidney Stones

Recommended Hospitals for Kidney Stones

Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University

Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center

About Kidney Stones

Related Conditions