Diagnosis and treatment of kidney and ureter stones, from medicines that help small stones pass to minimally invasive procedures to remove larger ones.
Overview
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys. Small stones may pass on their own, but larger stones can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain, infection or kidney damage.
Our urologists choose the treatment based on the size, position and type of stone and your overall health. Options include medicines, endoscopic removal through the urinary passage (ureteroscopy) and keyhole procedures for larger kidney stones.
Who needs this treatment?
- Severe pain in the side or back, often spreading to the groin
- Blood in the urine
- Recurrent urinary infections with stones
- Stones too large to pass or not passing after a period of observation
- Urgent: stones with fever or blocked urine flow
Benefits
- Relief from pain and blockage
- Most procedures need no large cuts
- Protects kidney function
- Stone analysis and advice to help prevent new stones
How it is done
Before the procedure
Urine and blood tests, and an ultrasound or CT scan, show the size and position of the stone.
During the procedure
Small stones may be treated with medicines and plenty of fluids. Larger stones may be broken and removed with a thin telescope passed through the urinary passage under anaesthesia, sometimes with laser. A temporary stent may be placed to help urine drain.
After the procedure
Most patients go home within a day or two after an endoscopic procedure.
Recovery and aftercare
Recovery is usually quick, within a few days.
- Drink plenty of water every day to reduce the chance of new stones
- If a stent was placed, keep the appointment to have it removed
- Follow the diet advice based on your stone type
Frequently asked questions
Stones can recur. Drinking enough water, reducing salt and following the specific advice for your stone type lower the risk.
No. Many small stones pass with medicines and fluids. Treatment is advised when a stone is large, blocking or causing infection.
This page gives general information. Whether a treatment is right for you, and what it involves, depends on your condition; your doctor will explain the options after examining you.