Best Kidney Transplant Center in India CKD and Urology India
Open Stone Surgery
A proven, direct surgical approach to remove complex or very large kidney stones when minimally invasive options are not suitable or have failed.
What is Open Stone Surgery?
Open stone surgery is a traditional surgical procedure where a direct incision is made in the flank or abdomen to access and remove kidney or ureteral stones. The surgeon operates through this incision to directly visualise and extract the stone from the kidney or ureter.
While minimally invasive procedures like PCNL, RIRS, and laparoscopy have replaced open surgery in most cases, open surgery remains the most effective and reliable option for complex situations where other approaches are not possible.
💡 Open surgery achieves a near 100% stone-free rate and remains the definitive treatment for stones that cannot be managed by any other method.
Who Needs Open Stone Surgery?
All Other Methods Failed
When PCNL, ESWL, RIRS, and laparoscopic surgery have been tried and failed to clear the stone.
Extremely Large Stones
Giant staghorn calculi or stones too large and complex for any minimally invasive technique to remove safely.
Complex Anatomy
Severe anatomical abnormalities such as horseshoe kidney, ectopic kidney, or congenital kidney malformations.
Stone with Major Repair Needed
Cases where stone removal must be combined with extensive kidney reconstruction or ureteral repair.
Equipment Not Available
When specialised endoscopic or laparoscopic equipment is unavailable and the stone requires urgent treatment.
Non-Functioning Kidney
Severely damaged or non-functioning kidney with a large stone where nephrectomy may be required alongside stone removal.
How is Open Stone Surgery Done?
Performed under general anaesthesia. The patient is positioned on their side for flank access. Duration is typically 90 to 180 minutes depending on stone complexity.
Anaesthesia and Positioning
General anaesthesia administered. Patient positioned on the side or supine depending on the approach required for stone access.
15 to 20 minSurgical Incision
A flank or subcostal incision is made to access the kidney. The incision length depends on stone size and location.
10 to 15 minKidney or Ureter Exposure
The kidney or ureter is carefully separated from surrounding tissue and exposed to provide direct access to the stone.
20 to 30 minStone Removal
An incision is made on the kidney or ureter. The stone is directly visualised and removed intact using surgical instruments. All fragments are checked with imaging.
30 to 60 minRepair and Closure
The kidney or ureter is sutured closed. A drain tube and DJ stent are placed. The flank incision is closed in layers with absorbable sutures.
20 to 30 minAdvantages of Open Stone Surgery
Highest Stone-Free Rate
Near 100% stone clearance in a single operation. The most reliable method for complete stone removal.
Direct Visualisation
The surgeon directly sees and feels the stone. No risk of missing fragments hidden from camera view.
Simultaneous Repair
Kidney reconstruction, ureteral repair, or correction of anatomical problems can be done in the same operation.
Works for Any Stone
Suitable for any stone size, location, or composition. No stone is too large or complex for open surgery.
No Equipment Dependency
Does not rely on specialised endoscopic or laser equipment. Can be performed in any well-equipped surgical facility.
Stone Analysis
Stone removed intact and sent for full chemical composition analysis to guide long-term prevention therapy.
Recovery Timeline
Post-op monitoring, drain and catheter removal. Pain managed with IV then oral medication. Diet resumed gradually.
Complete rest at home. Light walking encouraged. Avoid lifting and strenuous activity. Wound care at home.
DJ stent removed via outpatient cystoscopy. Follow-up imaging to confirm complete stone clearance.
Full activity and work resumes. Metabolic evaluation done to identify stone cause and prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Dr. D K Chughh?
15 Plus Years Experience
Dr. D K Chughh has performed hundreds of open, laparoscopic, and endoscopic urological procedures with consistently excellent outcomes.
Right Approach Every Time
Dr. Chughh evaluates every case thoroughly and recommends the least invasive option that is safe and effective for your stone.
Open Surgery as Last Resort
Open surgery is only recommended when all minimally invasive options have been exhausted or are clearly not suitable for the patient.
Complete Stone Workup
Pre-operative metabolic evaluation and post-surgical stone analysis to identify the cause and prevent stones from forming again.
Honest Counselling
You will receive a clear, honest explanation of why open surgery is needed, what the procedure involves, and what to expect during recovery.
Central Delhi Location
Located in Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi. Easily accessible from South Delhi, Noida, Faridabad, and Gurugram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Expert Stone Care?
Consult Dr. D K Chughh today. Every case is evaluated individually to find the safest and most effective treatment option for you.