Michael McIntyre has kidney stones operation: What you need to know about the surgery

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Michael McIntyre had to call off another comedy performance due to an urgent surgical procedure.

On Monday (4 March), the famous comedian from Britain was scheduled to entertain the audience at Mayflower Theatre in Southhampton.

A notice has been given to people who have purchased tickets that the date will need to be changed. This occurred a few days after the host of the BBC game show, The Wheel, cancelled their appearance at Plymouth Pavilions on Thursday (20 February) claiming they were unwell.

The stand-up comedian of 48 years old has cancelled the performance at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton due to sickness. Prior to this event, he has already skipped a show at the Plymouth Pavilions. The concerts are part of McIntyre's 'Macnificent' international tour, but fans shouldn't despair because the shows will be rearranged, and the tickets they have will still be valid for the new dates.

On the comedian's X social media account, a message was shared saying that Michael McIntyre will not be able to perform at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton on March 4th. The reason for this is that he had to undergo surgery to remove kidney stones. The show will be rearranged for another date, which will be shared with the public soon.

The NHS has reported that kidney stones are a frequent issue that affects more than 10% of the population. They can form in one or both kidneys and typically bother individuals aged 30 to 60. Kidney stones can be very excruciating and may even cause additional problems such as infections or a reduction in kidney functionality. To learn more about this ailment, it's important to understand what kidney stones are and what their implications may be.

Can you explain what kidney stones are? Kidney stones are hard deposits formed in the kidneys. They are made up of toxins and minerals found in urine. Kidney stones can range in size from tiny particles to large lumps, and they can cause intense pain and discomfort. In some cases, kidney stones may require medical intervention to be removed.

Dr. Babak Ashrafi, a doctor at Superdrug Online Doctor, clarifies that kidney stones are hard, crystal-like structures that emerge within the kidneys due to the buildup of materials like calcium and phosphorus in the urine, which stick together and form stones of different sizes.

What is the severity level of kidney stones?

According to Ashrafi, the size and location of kidney stones determine how severe and impactful they can be. If the stones are small, they may not cause major problems and can pass through the urinary tract. However, bigger stones can cause extreme discomfort and may even result in serious complications. In the worst case scenario, they may cause urinary tract blockage, kidney harm, and infections.

A common photo that represents an individual experiencing intense discomfort because of kidney stones.

Usually, kidney stones can go away by themselves if you drink more fluid and manage the pain. However, Ashrafi advises that if the stones are bigger or come back often like in McIntyre's case, medical treatment may be necessary. Ashrafi emphasizes the importance of seeking medical help quickly if the symptoms persist or get worse.

What are the signs of the condition?

Kidney Stones: Symptoms Explained

Kidney stones vary in size, and smaller ones may go unnoticed and pass through urine with no pain. However, when the kidney stones grow larger, they can cause intense discomfort such as severe pain located at the side of the stomach. This pain may occur intermittently. In addition, the individual may feel ill and experience vomiting.

The passing of kidney stones through the urinary tract can bring about unbearable pain, which results in severe discomfort. Symptoms like frequent urination, blood in the urine, and severe pain in the lower back or abdomen can also develop, according to Ashrafi.

What is the treatment for kidney stones?

According to Ashrafi, there are various ways to treat kidney stones, including pain relief methods and drinking more fluids to help expel them from the body. Another option is lithotripsy, a procedure that uses powerful shock waves to fragment the stones into tiny grains like sand, which can then be eliminated through urination. In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary, like the procedure undergone by McIntyre.

What are the reasons behind the formation of kidney stones in human bodies?

There are various things that can raise the chances of a person developing kidney stones. Examples include not drinking enough water to keep the body hydrated, leading a sedentary lifestyle, consuming a diet that is rich in sodium and potentially in oxalate, which is a naturally-occurring substance present in some plants.

According to Ashrafi, if you don't drink enough water, your body won't produce as much urine. This can lead to difficulties in dissolving calcium, oxalate and phosphorus in your body. When these substances become more concentrated, the chances of them crystallising and forming solid particles increase.

The condition of being overweight is also connected to the occurrence of kidney stones. Ashrafi mentions that obesity can result in higher levels of insulin resistance, which can lead to a more inactive way of life and facilitate the formation of substances that cause kidney stones to develop. Moreover, diets that are associated with obesity and involve consuming excessive amounts of animal proteins and salt are known to increase the likelihood of kidney stones forming.

What are some ways to prevent kidney stones?

To avoid kidney stones, it is essential to maintain a healthier way of life. One way to do this is to make sure you drink plenty of water and consume a well-balanced diet that doesn't contain a lot of salt and oxalate-heavy foods. Ashrafi suggests that engaging in routine physical exercise and trying to lower the insulin levels in your bloodstream can help you manage your weight and decrease the likelihood of kidney stones caused by obesity-related conditions.

If someone's family members had kidney stones before or if they have a particular medical condition, they should talk to healthcare professionals to get advice on how to prevent getting kidney stones. Ashrafi suggests that the best way of avoiding kidney stones is by keeping healthy through regular exercise and eating a balanced diet.