Megacalicosis, or megacalix, is a congenital disorder characterized by an increase in the volume of the renal calyces. Treatment of megacalicosis in Israel is prescribed in case of complications and follows a program tailored to the data from a comprehensive examination of the patient, including the most effective medical and surgical methods. Since kidney function is not impaired in uncomplicated cases, specialists provide a favorable prognosis.
For adequate therapy and the elimination of complications that significantly worsen the patient's condition and reduce their quality of life, timely and accurate diagnosis is necessary. In the case of megacalicosis, it is often difficult to make the correct diagnosis, as the symptoms of the disease resemble those of several other pathologies. The excellent material and technical base of Israeli medical centers, along with the availability of the latest diagnostic equipment, allows for the precise determination of the nature of the disorders and their causes, enabling prompt differential diagnosis. Patients leaving reviews on clinic websites note the world-class level and reasonable cost of treatment, as well as the comfortable conditions for its implementation.
Treatment methods for the disease
Studies show that this pathology is diagnosed in men several times more often than in women. Pronounced symptoms appear only after complications develop and are usually first noted upon reaching adulthood. In most patients, unilateral involvement is detected, and in some cases, megacalicosis is associated with other developmental pathologies of the urinary system. Such structural changes in the kidneys are often found in patients with Shinzeler-Gideon syndrome, Down syndrome, and other genetic pathologies.
The causes of the disturbances in the formation of renal structures during embryonic development are not definitively understood; however, a number of predisposing factors are known. These include exposure to ionizing radiation, the use of teratogenic drugs during pregnancy, and the consumption of alcoholic beverages and narcotic substances.
Painful symptoms are characteristic of developing complications. In chronic pyelonephritis, the patient experiences various types of pain in the affected kidney area, fever, and dysuria. The passage of stones in urolithiasis is accompanied by renal colic, manifested by sharp pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, frequent painful urination, and nausea. Secondary infections can lead to purulent kidney lesions and multiple abscesses.
In the absence of clinical signs, specific treatment is replaced by dynamic observation. Patients diagnosed with megacalicosis are registered with a nephrologist, undergo ultrasound and X-ray examinations of the kidneys twice a year, and provide general and biochemical blood and urine tests with mandatory determination of creatinine and urea levels. The results of the examinations allow conclusions to be drawn about the dynamics of the disease. In the case of stable patient condition, therapy is not conducted; if the patient's condition worsens, conservative or surgical treatment is indicated.
Conservative therapy
In the diagnosis of secondary pyelonephritis, medication treatment is indicated. The patient is prescribed various types of broad-spectrum antibiotics and uroseptic agents. In cases of urolithiasis, litholytic agents that facilitate the dissolution of stones are used.
When small stones are detected in the kidneys, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is indicated, in which the stones are fragmented using directed external impact. The procedure does not require entry into the body and is performed on an outpatient basis. Over the next two to three weeks, the stones are expelled through the ureter and urinary canal. In some cases, repeated sessions or lithoextraction — the surgical removal of fragmented stones — may be required. It should be noted that extracorporeal lithotripsy is ineffective for stones larger than 2 centimeters in diameter.
The patient should adhere to a therapeutic diet, excluding salty and spicy foods and meat broths. To eliminate the pathogens of infectious complications, the patient is advised to drink plenty of fluids, herbal infusions with a diuretic effect, and diuretic herbal preparations.
Surgical treatment
Typically, the indication for surgical intervention is urolithiasis. In Israel, the fragmentation and removal of significant-sized stones is routinely performed using a minimally invasive method called contact ureterolithotripsy. This technique aims to destroy stones endoscopically using a special instrument — a lithotripter. A ureteroscope is inserted through the urinary canal into the bladder and then into the ureter, where an ultrasound or laser lithotripter is directed to the stone. After the stone is fragmented, its parts are captured and removed by a lithoextractor. This procedure is indicated for stones located in the middle and lower third of the ureter, in cases where previously performed extracorporeal lithotripsy was ineffective.
How the pathology is diagnosed
A comprehensive examination of the patient, which excludes the possibility of making an incorrect diagnosis and prescribing ineffective treatment, takes approximately three days in Israel.
During the initial consultation, the nephrologist reviews the provided medical documentation, clarifies the nature and severity of the symptoms with the patient, conducts a superficial examination, and compiles a list of necessary diagnostic procedures.
The following examinations are performed:
- general and biochemical blood and urine tests — indicators of ESR and the presence of different types of blood cells indicate the course of the inflammatory process; in the case of complications, a large number of leukocytes, blood impurities (hematuria), and crystalluria are found in the urine;
- ultrasound examination of the kidneys — allows for the detection of enlarged renal calyces;
- excretory urography;
- computed tomography (CT).
Mandatory differential diagnosis is conducted with the urogenital form of tuberculosis, renal cysts, and a number of other diseases.
The results of the studies are reviewed by a medical council consisting of a nephrologist and several narrow-profile specialists. After analyzing the obtained data, the doctors announce the diagnosis and prescribe treatment.
How much does treatment for the disease cost
Among the questions of interest to medical tourists is the cost of therapy. It is noted that when undergoing treatment in Israel, the patient saves approximately 30% of the amount required in Western European countries and about 50% of the cost of similar services in the USA.
Advantages of treatment in Israel
- High level of qualification and experience of nephrologists.
- Excellent material and technical base of medical centers.
- Performance of minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries.
- Accurate diagnosis.
- Affordable prices.
Dynamic observation and timely elimination of developed complications allow the patient to avoid discomfort and lead a normal active life. Contact the chosen clinic, undergo accurate diagnostics, and follow the recommendations of highly qualified specialists.