In a landmark moment for Indian urology and global medical history, R G Stone Urological Research Institute, Mumbai, etched its name into the Guinness Book of World Records by successfully removing the largest kidney stone ever documented—13 cm in length and weighing 93 grams—without a single incision.
The groundbreaking non-surgical procedure was performed on Vilas Ghuge, a 45-year-old police constable from Mumbai, who had silently battled abdominal pain and discomfort for over 15 years.
Under the expert guidance of Dr. Hemendra Shah, the institute’s chief urologist, the stone was removed using extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)—a technique that uses focused sound waves to break the stone into passable fragments.
“This case proves that even the largest stones can be treated without invasive surgery, using advanced medical technology and experience,” said Dr. Shah.
The treatment was conducted in three consecutive sessions on February 18, 20, and 22, 2004, avoiding the risks and recovery associated with traditional open surgery.
Following documentation and submission of medical data, imaging, and procedural records, Guinness World Records officially recognized the feat, categorizing it as the largest kidney stone ever removed non-surgically.
The stone, which had grown larger than the patient’s kidney itself, had been silently forming since 1986. Its removal has brought global attention to the institute’s urological expertise and the power of non-invasive treatment approaches in modern medicine.
This achievement solidifies RG Stone Urological Research Institute as a pioneer in minimally invasive urology not just in India, but worldwide. The institute has since expanded its operations across India and is renowned for treating complex urological disorders with cutting-edge technology.
- Over 7.5 lakh urological procedures performed
- Patients aged 7 months to 107 years treated
- Specialization in lithotripsy and laser urology
The record-breaking case has inspired urologists and medical institutions to push the boundaries of what is possible through innovation. For patients like Vilas Ghuge, it means a return to normal life—pain-free, surgery-free, and record-certified.
