Kidney stone disease is one of the most common urological conditions worldwide, and Vietnam has become a leading destination in Asia for safe, affordable, and high-quality kidney stone removal. With state-of-the-art hospitals, internationally trained urologists, modern endoscopic equipment, and significantly lower treatment costs compared to Western countries, Vietnam offers a highly attractive option for international patients seeking effective kidney stone treatment.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about Kidney Stone Removal in Vietnam in 2025, including treatment options, costs, recommended hospitals, the patient journey, recovery expectations, and why Vietnam has rapidly grown as a medical tourism hotspot for urology.

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⭐ Why Choose Vietnam for Kidney Stone Removal?

Vietnam is now recognized as one of the best destinations in Asia for medical treatment, especially in urology and minimally invasive stone management. The country’s modern private hospitals combine advanced technology with international care standards, while still offering highly competitive prices.

Key Advantages

✔ International-standard private hospitals
Many leading hospitals in Vietnam—such as Vinmec, FV Hospital, Hoan My, City International Hospital, and Tam Anh—use the latest-generation lithotripsy and endoscopic equipment.

✔ Experienced urologists
Vietnamese urologists are highly trained, with many having studied or gained fellowships in France, Germany, Japan, and the US.

✔ Minimally invasive techniques available
Vietnam offers all major stone-removal procedures:

• ESWL (shockwave lithotripsy)

• RIRS / flexible ureteroscopy

• Laser lithotripsy

• PCNL

• Laparoscopic stone removal

• Temporary stent placement

✔ Affordable and transparent costs
Treatment is often 60–80% cheaper than in Australia, the US, Singapore, or Korea.

✔ Short waiting times
Consultation, imaging, and treatment are fast, often completed within 1–2 days.

✔ English-speaking medical support
Most private hospitals provide translators or English-speaking medical coordinators.

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🧊 Understanding Kidney Stone Removal

“Kidney Stone Removal” refers to a group of medical procedures used to break down, remove, or help pass kidney stones from the urinary tract. The choice of procedure depends on:

• Stone size

• Stone location (kidney, ureter, bladder)

• Stone hardness

• Symptoms (pain, infection, blockage)

• Patient age and medical condition

Vietnamese hospitals follow European and American Urology Association standards to determine the best technique for each patient.

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🔍 Symptoms that Indicate You Need Kidney Stone Treatment

• Severe lower back or flank pain (“renal colic”)

• Pain radiating to the groin

• Blood in urine

• Frequent urination or burning sensation

• Fever or chills

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty passing urine

• Recurrent urinary tract infections

If stones block the kidney, urgent treatment is required to prevent infection or kidney damage.

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🏥 Kidney Stone Removal Techniques in Vietnam

Vietnam offers the full spectrum of stone treatment options used worldwide. Below are the most common methods.

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1. ESWL – Shockwave Lithotripsy

What it is

ESWL uses high-energy shockwaves directed from outside the body to break stones into tiny fragments.

Best for

• Stones < 1–1.5 cm

• Stones in upper ureter or kidney

• Soft to medium-hard stones

Advantages

✔ Non-surgical
✔ No incisions
✔ Performed as an outpatient procedure
✔ Fast recovery

Limitations

• Not suitable for very hard stones

• May require two sessions

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2. URS – Ureteroscopy (Laser Lithotripsy)

What it is

A thin scope is inserted through the urethra → bladder → ureter → kidney to reach the stone. A Holmium laser breaks the stone into dust.

Best for

• Stones from 6 mm to 2 cm

• Stones in the ureter or kidney

• Stones too hard for ESWL

Advantages

✔ No skin incisions
✔ Very high success rate (up to 95%)
✔ Can treat multiple stones
✔ Quick recovery

Often includes

Temporary stent JJ placement for 1–4 weeks to help urine flow.

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3. RIRS – Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery

What it is

Flexible ureteroscopy allows access to all parts of the kidney for laser stone dusting.

Best for

• Stones < 2 cm

• Stones in difficult-to-reach areas

Advantages

✔ Precise and minimally invasive
✔ High stone-free rate
✔ Preferred for patients who cannot undergo PCNL

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4. PCNL – Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

What it is

A small incision (about 1 cm) is made in the back to insert a nephroscope and remove stones directly.

Best for

• Stones > 2 cm

• Staghorn stones

• Multiple large stones

Advantages

✔ Gold-standard for large stones
✔ Removes stones completely

Recovery time

2–4 days in hospital.

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5. Laparoscopic or Open Surgery

Now rarely needed, except:

• Complex anatomy

• Failed endoscopic procedures

• Extremely large stones

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💰 Kidney Stone Removal Cost in Vietnam (2025 Guide)

Vietnam offers some of the most competitive treatment prices in Asia.

Additional costs

• Consultation: 300,000 – 800,000 VND

• Ultrasound / X-ray: 300,000 – 2,000,000 VND

• CT scan: 2 – 4 million VND

• Blood tests: 300,000 – 1,000,000 VND

• Stent removal: 2 – 5 million VND

Prices vary by hospital, complexity, and patient condition.

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🏨 Best Hospitals for Kidney Stone Removal in Vietnam

Vietnam has many reputable hospitals specializing in urology.

⭐ 1. Vinmec International Hospital System

• Modern equipment (ESWL, flexible ureteroscopy, advanced lasers)

• Sub-specialized urologists

• Excellent service for foreign patients

⭐ 2. Tam Anh General Hospital

• Strong urology department

• Experienced endoscopic surgeons

• Modern imaging and OR facilities

⭐ 3. FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)

• JCI-accredited

• Very high-quality urology services

• Large international patient department

⭐ 4. City International Hospital (CIH)

• Reliable and affordable

• Skilled experts in PCNL, URS

⭐ 5. Hoan My Hospital System

• Nationwide presence

• Good cost–quality balance

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🧭 Your Medical Journey for Kidney Stone Treatment in Vietnam

Here is the typical step-by-step process when booking through MedtourVietnam:

1. Initial consultation (online or in person)

You share your symptoms, medical history, and imaging results (ultrasound or CT).

2. Hospital recommendation & cost estimate

We match you with the best hospital based on stone size, location, and your budget.

3. Arrival in Vietnam

We arrange airport pickup (if needed) and prepare your hospital appointment.

4. In-hospital diagnosis

You undergo:

• Ultrasound

• X-ray or CT

• Blood & urine tests

5. Treatment selection

The urologist recommends ESWL, URS, PCNL, or another method.

6. Procedure

Most treatments take 30–90 minutes depending on complexity.

7. Recovery

• ESWL: same day

• URS: 1 day

• PCNL: 2–4 days

• Laparoscopy: 3–5 days

8. Follow-up

Stent removal (if needed) after 2–4 weeks.

9. Return home

You receive full medical reports and images.

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🧪 What Imaging Tests Will You Need?

Most hospitals require one or more of the following:

• Ultrasound of kidneys & bladder

• KUB X-ray

• CT scan with/without contrast

• Urine test

• Kidney function test (creatinine, urea)

These help evaluate size, shape, and hardness of the stone.

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🧠 Recovery After Kidney Stone Removal

Recovery time depends on the procedure:

ESWL

• Mild discomfort

• Little or no downtime

• Drink plenty of water to flush fragments

URS or RIRS

• Mild burning during urination

• Temporary stent may cause discomfort

• Most patients resume activities after 48 hours

PCNL

• 2–3 nights in hospital

• Full recovery in 1–2 weeks

• Avoid heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks

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🌏 Why International Patients Trust Vietnam

1. Medical tourism-friendly environment

Vietnam’s top hospitals are well prepared to treat foreign patients, especially from Australia, the UK, the US, Singapore, Korea, and the Middle East.

2. Transparent pricing

Costs are clearly explained in advance—no hidden fees.

3. Strong aftercare

Hospitals provide detailed follow-up instructions, videos, and hotline support.

4. Easy travel

Vietnam offers e-visas and visa-free programs for many countries.

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🧂 Preventing Kidney Stones After Treatment

The urologist may recommend:

• Drink 2–3 liters of water/day

• Reduce salt intake

• Limit red meat

• Avoid excessive calcium supplements

• Increase fresh fruit & vegetable consumption

• Maintain a healthy weight

A follow-up ultrasound every 6–12 months is also advised.

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✔️ Is Vietnam Safe for Kidney Stone Removal?

Yes. Private hospitals in Vietnam use advanced European/Japanese technology and follow strict surgical protocols. Infection rates are low, complication rates are comparable to developed countries, and English-speaking medical staff ensure clear communication.

Vietnam has performed tens of thousands of kidney stone removal procedures, with extremely high success rates.

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🧭 Final Thoughts

Vietnam stands out as an excellent option for patients seeking safe, modern, and affordable kidney stone removal. With world-class hospitals, experienced urologists, transparent pricing, and fast scheduling, the country offers a comfortable medical journey from consultation to recovery.

If you’re considering traveling to Vietnam for kidney stone treatment, MedtourVietnam can help you plan the entire process—from selecting the right hospital to arranging appointments and supporting you throughout your stay.