Dr. Amvrin Chatterjee

Kidney Stones: Warning Signs, Causes & When to See a Doctor

Kidney stones are one of the most painful urological conditions — and they are far more common than most people realise. In India, the prevalence is rising due to dietary habits, dehydration, and lack of awareness. Knowing the signs early can save you from an emergency room visit.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine contains high levels of crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — and too little fluid to dilute them.

Common Warning Signs

Many people don't know they have a kidney stone until it starts to move. The most telling symptoms include:

• Sudden, severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen (often described as the worst pain of their life)
• Pain that radiates to the groin area
• Burning sensation or pain during urination
• Pink, red, or brown discolouration in urine (blood in urine)
• Nausea and vomiting alongside pain
• Frequent urge to urinate but passing only small amounts
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Fever and chills (which may indicate an infection — a medical emergency)

Who Is at Risk?

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk:

• Not drinking enough water (dehydration is the most common cause)
• Diets high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
• Obesity or sudden weight changes
• Family history of kidney stones
• Urinary tract infections that recur frequently
• Certain medications or medical conditions (e.g., hyperparathyroidism)

When Should You See a Doctor?

Do not wait if you experience severe pain, blood in your urine, or fever alongside kidney stone symptoms. These can indicate a blocked ureter or infection — conditions that need immediate medical attention.

Even smaller stones that pass on their own should be evaluated to understand why they formed and prevent recurrence. A urologist can assess your stone type through urine, blood tests, and imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) and recommend the right treatment plan.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone:

• Small stones: Often managed with increased fluid intake and pain relief medications
• Medium stones: Shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break stones using sound waves
• Larger or lodged stones: Ureteroscopy (URS) or PCNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) surgery
• Complex cases: Laparoscopic or robotic-assisted surgery for best outcomes

Prostate Problems in Men: What Every Man Over 40 Needs to Know

The prostate gland — a small, walnut-sized organ in the male reproductive system — is one of the most talked-about yet least understood parts of men's health. Problems with the prostate are incredibly common, yet many men delay seeking help because they feel embarrassed or dismiss symptoms as a normal part of ageing.

Understanding the Prostate

The prostate sits just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). Its primary function is to produce seminal fluid. As men age, the prostate naturally grows — but sometimes this growth becomes a medical problem.

The Three Main Prostate Conditions

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — Enlarged Prostate

BPH is the most common prostate condition and affects more than 50% of men over 50. The prostate enlarges and presses against the urethra, causing urinary symptoms. It is not cancer, but it significantly affects quality of life.

• Weak or slow urinary stream
• Difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night (nocturia)
• Feeling that your bladder hasn't fully emptied
• Dribbling at the end of urination

2. Prostatitis — Inflammation of the Prostate

Prostatitis can affect men of any age and is often caused by bacterial infection. It may cause pain in the groin, pelvis, or lower back; pain or burning during urination; and in acute cases, fever. Some forms of prostatitis are chronic and require long-term management.

3. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide. The important fact is — when detected early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms at all, which is why regular screening is so critical for men above 50 (or 40 if you have a family history).

Advanced symptoms may include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, pain in the hips, back, or pelvis, and unexplained weight loss.

When to See a Urologist

Don't wait until symptoms become unbearable. See a urologist if you notice:

• Any changes in urination habits (frequency, flow, urgency)
• Blood in urine or semen
• Persistent pain in the pelvic region
• You are above 50 and haven't had a prostate check-up
• You have a family history of prostate cancer

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the condition and its severity. Options range from lifestyle changes and medications to minimally invasive procedures and robotic surgery. Dr. Amvrin Chatterjee specialises in TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and Robotic Prostatectomy — among the most advanced treatments available for prostate conditions.

What is Robotic Surgery? How It Works & Why Patients Are Choosing It

Robotic surgery sounds like something out of a science fiction film — but it is a well-established, FDA-approved surgical technique that is now offered in leading hospitals across India, including Apollo Hospitals Kolkata where Dr. Amvrin Chatterjee practices.

What is Robotic Surgery?

Robotic surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon uses a computer-controlled robotic system to perform complex procedures. The most widely used system is the da Vinci Surgical System. The surgeon sits at a console and controls robotic arms with surgical instruments attached to them, operating with high precision.

Importantly — the robot doesn't operate on its own. It is fully controlled by the surgeon at every step.

How Does It Work?

• Tiny incisions (cuts) are made in the patient's body — usually less than 1 cm each
• A small camera (endoscope) is inserted, providing a magnified 3D view of the surgical area
• The surgeon controls robotic arms to perform precise movements — movements that are actually finer and more controlled than a human hand alone
• The system filters out any hand tremors and translates the surgeon's movements into smooth, precise actions

Why Is It Better Than Traditional Surgery?

Robotic surgery offers several clear advantages over open or even laparoscopic surgery:

• Less blood loss — smaller incisions mean minimal trauma to surrounding tissue
• Less pain — patients typically need fewer painkillers post-surgery
• Faster recovery — most patients are discharged sooner and return to normal life much faster
• Lower infection risk — smaller wounds reduce the chance of post-surgical infections
• Greater surgical precision — critical especially in delicate procedures like prostate or kidney surgery
• Less scarring — tiny incisions heal with minimal marks

Urological Procedures Performed Robotically

Dr. Amvrin Chatterjee is a certified robotic surgeon performing:

• Robotic Prostatectomy — removal of the prostate gland for cancer
• Robotic Pyeloplasty — repair of a blocked kidney drainage system
• Laparoscopic/Robotic Nephrectomy — kidney removal for tumours or non-functioning kidney
• Radical Cystectomy — bladder removal for bladder cancer

Is It Safe? Is It Available for Patients from Agartala?

Robotic surgery has an excellent safety profile with decades of global evidence. Patients from Agartala and across Tripura can access this technology through Dr. Chatterjee at Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata. He evaluates patients during the Agartala OPD and arranges surgeries in Kolkata with full coordination support.