Before kidney stone surgery: what the surgeon needs to know
Kidney and ureter stones are removed by PCNL (through a small cut in the back), URS or RIRS (with a scope through the urine passage). All are done under spinal or general anaesthesia.
For stone surgery, the urine tests and kidney function are the most important. Operating on an infected kidney can spread infection into the blood, so the urine must be clear first.
| Anaesthesia | Spinal or general anaesthesia |
| Basic tests | Major Surgical Profile, ₹2,500 |
| Report time | 3 hours from sample collection, 24/7 |
| Fasting | Not needed for the profile |
Step 1: the Major Surgical Profile
Almost every surgeon and anaesthetist asks for these basic tests before kidney stone surgery: CBC, ESR, LFT, blood urea, serum creatinine, electrolytes, random blood sugar, PT/INR, BT/CT, HIV, HBsAg, HCV, blood group, TSH, ECG and chest X-ray. We do all of them in one visit for ₹2,500, with the report in 3 hours. See why each test matters.
Step 2: extra tests your surgeon may add
Depending on your age, health and the hospital's protocol, your surgeon may ask for some of these as well. They are not part of the profile and are charged separately.
| Urine routine (CUE) ₹200 | Essential. Shows infection, blood and crystals in the urine. |
| Urine culture ₹1,100 | Most urologists want a sterile urine culture before stone surgery. If it grows bacteria, antibiotics are given first. |
| Serum calcium ₹160 | Most stones are calcium stones. A high calcium level needs to be looked into. |
| Uric acid ₹160 | High uric acid can cause uric acid stones. |
Points specific to kidney stone surgery
- Bring your CT KUB or ultrasound report. The urologist plans the surgery from it.
- Creatinine and urea (in the profile) show whether the stone has affected kidney function.
- Fever with stone pain is an emergency. Go to a hospital.
Your surgeon and anaesthetist decide the final list. If you have one, send us a photo on WhatsApp and we will do exactly those tests and tell you the total first.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a urine culture needed before stone surgery?
Because bacteria can hide behind a stone. If the urine is infected during surgery, the infection can enter the blood (urosepsis). A sterile culture, or a course of the right antibiotic first, makes the surgery much safer.
Can I do the urine test at home collection?
Yes, the urine sample can be collected at home. But the ECG and chest X-ray in the profile are done at our centre.
How fast will I get the report?
In 3 hours from the time we take your sample, at any hour of the day or night, including Sundays and holidays. The report comes on WhatsApp, and you can collect a print at the centre.
How much do the extra tests cost?
The Major Surgical Profile is ₹2,500. Extra tests are added at our standard price, shown in the table on this page. Send us your surgeon's list on WhatsApp and we will tell you the exact total before you come.
Related tests
Medically reviewed by Dr Raheel Raza, MBBS, DCP (Gandhi), Consultant Pathologist.