Vietnamese man avoids open surgery as massive kidney stone removed with minimally invasive treatment

A 32‑year‑old Vietnamese man developed a massive coral‑like kidney stone that filled almost the entire right kidney after years of drinking leaf‑water folk remedies in hopes of dissolving the stone. Imaging showed a branched stone that would have required open surgery, risking significant loss of renal tissue.

Doctors opted for percutaneous nephrolithotomy, using a small skin tunnel to fragment and extract the stone. After two minimally invasive sessions, the stone was completely cleared and the kidney function was preserved. The hospital assisted the patient with proper insurance paperwork and additional financial support because of his limited means.

Medical experts highlighted that there is no scientific evidence that leaf‑based drinks can dissolve large stones and warned that delayed treatment can lead to complex surgeries and permanent kidney damage. They advised patients with urinary stones to seek professional evaluation rather than rely on unproven traditional remedies.