Kidney stones are hard deposits formed from minerals and salts in the kidneys that can disrupt the urinary tract. This condition often causes various symptoms, ranging from severe pain in the lower back or flank, nausea and vomiting, blood in the urine, burning sensation during urination, to difficulty or even inability to urinate. If left untreated, kidney stones may lead to more serious complications.
At Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital, kidney stone treatment is performed using advanced robotic technology with the Zamenix robotic arm, eliminating the need for open surgery. This approach minimizes pain and reduces risks. The procedure is handled directly by Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U (K), Ph.D, a leading urology specialist in Indonesia with extensive experience in managing kidney stone cases using advanced and minimally invasive techniques.
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Signs of Kidney Stones to Watch For
Kidney stones often do not cause symptoms until they move within the kidney or enter the ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.
When a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, it can block urine flow, cause swelling in the kidney, and trigger spasms that lead to severe pain. At this stage, the following symptoms may appear:
1. Pain
Kidney stone pain is typically intense and sharp, felt on the side of the body and back, just below the ribs. The pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. It often comes in waves, with varying intensity. Some patients may also experience pain or a burning sensation during urination.
2. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting often occur as the body’s response to severe pain caused by kidney stones. When urine flow is obstructed or pressure builds up in the kidney, nearby nerves can be stimulated, leading to digestive discomfort.
3. Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine (hematuria) occurs when kidney stones irritate and injure the lining of the urinary tract. The amount of blood may be minimal and only detectable through laboratory tests, or visible to the naked eye.
4. Painful urination
A burning or painful sensation during urination usually occurs when the stone has reached the lower urinary tract. Friction between the stone and the urinary tract lining can cause irritation and discomfort.
5. Difficulty or inability to urinate
In certain cases, kidney stones can completely block the urinary tract, stopping urine flow. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.
6. Frequent urge to urinate
Kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract, causing a constant urge to urinate. However, the amount of urine passed is usually small and does not provide relief.
7. Fever or chills
Fever and chills may indicate that a kidney stone has caused an infection in the urinary tract or kidneys. This condition should not be ignored, as infections can lead to serious complications.
8. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Changes in urine color or odor, such as cloudiness or a strong smell, may indicate infection or the buildup of waste substances in the urinary tract.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult a urologist if you experience concerning symptoms or if they do not improve. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain that prevents you from sitting still or finding a comfortable position
- Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty or inability to urinate
Kidney Stone Treatment at Mandaya Puri with the Zamenix Robotic Arm
Kidney stone treatment at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is supported by advanced robotic technology, Zamenix, which is designed for highly precise minimally invasive procedures. This robotic system helps reduce procedural risks while improving patient comfort during treatment.
Zamenix is equipped with a multifunctional robotic arm that allows urologists to work with greater accuracy in treating kidney stones. Its main features include:
- A high-definition camera to clearly visualize the position of kidney stones, even in hard-to-reach areas
- Advanced laser technology to break hard kidney stones into smaller, finer fragments
- Specialized grasping tools to remove and clean residual stone fragments thoroughly
During the procedure, the urologist controls the Zamenix robotic arm using a dedicated control system while monitoring the patient’s kidney condition in real time on a screen.
With this technology, the process of breaking and removing kidney stones can be performed more precisely and safely. The integration of camera, laser, and grasping tools into a single robotic system makes treatment more effective and comprehensive, while also helping to accelerate recovery so patients can return to their daily activities sooner.
Profile and Practice Schedule of Prof. Ponco at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital
Kidney stone treatment using Zamenix robotic technology at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital is performed by Prof. Ponco, a consultant urologist widely recognized as one of Indonesia’s leading experts in urology.
Prof. Ponco completed his medical degree and urology specialization at Universitas Indonesia. He further pursued subspecialty training in Andro-Urology and earned his Ph.D. from Hannover Medical School, Germany, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 2009. In addition to his clinical practice, he is also a Professor at Universitas Indonesia and actively contributes to the advancement of urology at the national level.
Conditions treated by Prof. Ponco include:
- Kidney stones, including robotic-assisted procedures and PCNL
- Bladder disorders
- Prostate enlargement and abnormalities
- Various kidney diseases and conditions
Prof. dr. Ponco Birowo, Sp.U (K), Ph.D is available at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:
- Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (WIB)
- Thursday: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (WIB)
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat feature, Book Appointment service, or the Care Dokter app (available on Google Play and App Store) to schedule appointments, check queue numbers, and access additional information.
*The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general overview only, and may not represent all medical services offered by each doctor. For appropriate treatment based on your condition, it is recommended to consult directly with the respective doctor.
If you have any questions, suggestions, or need further information, please contact our call center at 0811-1900-2000.
