Unexpected Kidney Diagnosis During Appendix Surgery Shocks Woman

Quick Smiles:

• The emergency appendix surgery revealed a rare, one-pound staghorn kidney stone.
• Doctors believe the scan may have prevented even more serious kidney damage.
• Anderson says her back and leg pressure has disappeared after the surgery.

Chrissi Anderson visited the hospital for a burst appendix, but a routine scan revealed a life-changing surprise. Doctors discovered a rare one-pound staghorn kidney stone that had been growing silently for years.

Surgeons described the stone as having a unique shape similar to deer antlers. Because of its massive size, the stone remained stationary and pain-free until the emergency scan brought it to light.

“I couldn’t believe it.”

“It was huge and it had horns, and it was like a monster,” Anderson told reporters.

“And they’re like, that’s what’s growing inside your kidney.”

“It was just massive.”

Following a successful robotic-assisted surgery, Anderson is enjoying a full recovery and improved health. Her positive outlook remains high as she looks forward to a future free from discomfort.

She hopes to keep the stone as a souvenir and preserve it in resin after lab testing.