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| - Last Updated on July 18, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook post claims that a so called “doctor” can remove gallstones through the skin, without surgery. Our fact check deems this claim False.
The Claim
According to a Facebook post, a so called “doctor” can remove all kinds of stones, such as kidney or gallstones, without surgery or medicine, through the abdominal skin. The post also guarantees 100% success.
Fact Check
What are kidney stones and gallstones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits containing minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and stick together. Common types of kidney stones include calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Risk factors for kidney stones include dehydration, certain diets, obesity, and genetic predisposition.
Gallstones, on the other hand, are hard deposits of digestive fluid that can form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They mainly consist of cholesterol or bilirubin and form when there is an imbalance in the substances that make up bile. Gallstones can block the bile ducts, leading to severe pain and potential complications such as infection or pancreatitis.
Is it possible to remove kidney stones or gallstones through the abdominal skin, without any surgery or medicine?
No, it is not possible to remove kidney stones or gallstones through the abdominal skin. It is anatomically and physiologically impossible to remove kidney stones or gallstones through the abdominal skin without surgery or medicine. The claim is not correct as it lacks scientific evidence and is purely misleading. Also, the person in the video seems a quack and not a qualified doctor, because a true professional would never endorse such unproven medical interventions.
The urinary and biliary systems, where kidney stones and gallstones form, are located deep within the body. Kidney stones are located in the kidneys, which are positioned towards the back of the abdominal cavity. Gallstones are present in the gallbladder, which is also deep within the abdomen, nestled under the liver. There are no non-invasive methods or treatments that can reach these stones through the skin to remove them.
Moreover, the claim of a 100% success rate is highly exaggerated and unequivocally false. No medical treatment or procedure can guarantee 100% success, as individual responses to treatments can vary widely.
Scientific evidence and medical guidelines do not support the possibility of removing stones through the skin. According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the National Health Service (NHS), the recommended treatments for kidney stones include increased fluid intake, pain relief medication, medical therapy to facilitate stone passage, and various surgical procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). For gallstones, treatments range from medications to dissolve the stones (though rarely used) to surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) in symptomatic cases.
What are the consequences of trusting such unreliable practices for stone removal?
Trusting unreliable practices for stone removal can lead to serious health consequences. These methods are not scientifically proven and may result in untreated stones causing severe pain, infections, and potential complications like kidney damage or gallbladder inflammation. For instance, ignoring proper medical advice might mean a small stone turns into a larger problem, requiring more invasive procedures later. Additionally, delaying appropriate treatment can lead to significantly higher medical expenses, as the need for emergency care and advanced interventions becomes more likely. Ultimately, the risks and costs associated with these unproven treatments far outweigh any perceived benefits.
We sought expert insights from Dr Sharad Malhotra, a Senior Consultant & HOD Gastroenterology Hepatology & Therapeutic Endoscopy, at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi, and he strongly advised against seeking medical care from quacks, as they are factually misleading. He said, “Any such action should be at a person’s own risk, as no medical evidence supports these methods for stone management.”
What is the best treatment for kidney stones and gallstones?
The best treatment for kidney stones depends on their size, type, and location, as well as the patient’s overall health. Small stones can often pass naturally by drinking plenty of water and taking pain relievers. Medical treatment may include alpha-blockers to help relax the muscles in the urinary tract and facilitate stone passage. We also recommend a suitable diet for prevention of kidney stones to avoid recurrence.
For larger stones, surgical interventions may be necessary:
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass through urine.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is placed into the urethra to the bladder and ureter to locate and remove the stone or break it apart.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Involves a small incision in the back to remove large stones directly from the kidney.
Treatment options for gallstones include:
- Watchful waiting: For asymptomatic gallstones.
- Medications: To dissolve cholesterol gallstones, but the effectiveness is not satisfactory and there’s also slow results.
- Cholecystectomy: Surgical removal of the gallbladder, generally recommended for symptomatic gallstones. Doctors can perform this via traditional open surgery or laparoscopically. We recommend an appropriate diet after the gallstone removal surgery.
Can you remove kidney stones without surgery?
In some cases, kidney stones can be managed and passed without surgery. Increasing fluid intake, using pain relievers, and taking medications to relax the ureter can help in the passage of smaller stones. However, larger stones or those causing severe symptoms often require surgical intervention. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate treatment based on individual circumstances.
False information about stone removal is widely prevalent on social media, such as claims of gallstone removal through onion juice or fenugreek for kidney stones. These remedies remain false, just like this claim of non-surgical removal of stones through the skin. In conclusion, the claim that kidney or gallstones can be removed through the abdominal skin without surgery or medicine is false.
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