Kidney Stones Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Are you experiencing symptoms of a kidney stone, such as severe pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, or nausea and vomiting?

Visit Steinberg Urology for a consultation with one of our urologists to discuss your symptoms, confirm the diagnosis, and determine which treatment options are most appropriate for you.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as urolithiasis, are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can remain in the kidney without causing symptoms or travel through the urinary tract, where they may block the flow of urine and cause significant pain.

Kidney stones can affect both men and women. While some stones pass naturally without treatment, others require medical intervention to relieve symptoms, prevent complications, and restore normal urine flow.

People who develop kidney stones are at risk of forming additional stones in the future. Identifying the type of stone and any contributing factors can help guide treatment and prevention strategies.

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SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY STONES

Many kidney stones do not cause symptoms until they begin moving through the urinary tract.

Symptoms may include:

  • Severe pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
  • Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
  • Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown urine)
  • Pain or burning during urination
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills, which may indicate a urinary tract infection

The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. If you experience severe pain, fever, chills, or difficulty passing urine, seek prompt medical attention.

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine become concentrated and begin to crystallize. Over time, these crystals can combine and grow into stones.

The composition of a kidney stone can provide insight into why it formed and help guide prevention strategies. The most common types include:

Calcium stones

The most common type of kidney stone, usually made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.

Uric acid stones

These stones may develop when urine is too acidic and are more common in people with gout or certain metabolic conditions.

Struvite stones

These stones are associated with urinary tract infections.

Cystine stones

A less common type caused by a rare inherited condition called cystinuria.

RISK FACTORS

Several factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones, including:

  • Not drinking enough fluids
  • A diet high in sodium or animal protein
  • Eating foods high in oxalates
  • Obesity
  • A personal or family history of kidney stones
  • Recurrent urinary tract infections
  • Certain medical conditions, including gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and hyperparathyroidism
  • Certain medications and supplements

People who have had one kidney stone are at increased risk of developing another. Understanding the factors that contributed to stone formation can help guide recommendations to reduce the risk of recurrence.

DIAGNOSIS

Kidney stone symptoms can be similar to those caused by other urinary tract conditions. To confirm the diagnosis, your urologist will review your symptoms, discuss your medical history, and perform a physical examination.

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your urologist may recommend one or more of the following tests:

  • Urinalysis to check for blood, infection, or crystals in the urine
  • Blood tests to assess kidney function and identify possible underlying causes
  • Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to determine the size and location of the stone
  • Stone analysis if you have passed a kidney stone
  • Metabolic testing for patients with recurrent kidney stones

The results of these tests help determine the most appropriate treatment and identify factors that may contribute to future kidney stone formation.

diagnostics

Cystoscopy

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Bladder Ultrasound

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Lab Test

TREATMENT FOR KIDNEY STONES

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of kidney stone, as well as your symptoms and overall health. While some small stones pass naturally, others require medical treatment to relieve symptoms, remove the stone, and help prevent complications.

Your urologist will recommend the treatment that is most appropriate for your condition. Treatment options may include:

Conservative Management

Small kidney stones may pass on their own with increased fluid intake, pain medication, and medication to help relax the urinary tract.
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Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

Shock wave lithotripsy uses focused sound waves to break a kidney stone into smaller fragments that can pass more easily through the urinary tract.
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Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

A ureteroscope is used to locate the stone, which is then broken into smaller pieces using a laser. The fragments are removed or allowed to pass naturally.
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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

A ureteroscope is used to locate the stone, which is then broken into smaller pieces using a laser. The fragments are removed or allowed to pass naturally.
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Following treatment, your urologist may recommend dietary changes, increased fluid intake, medication, or additional testing to help reduce the risk of future kidney stones.

The images and/or videos are not presented as a guarantee of result. The results may vary. Patients gave their consent for the publication of images and/or videos.

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At Steinberg Urology we pride ourselves on our compassionate care we offer to those facing challenges that affect their quality of life. Our urologists have years of experience and a commitment to excellence.

If you need to discuss this sensitive medical concern, schedule a consultation at our clinic in a safe confidential environment. Let us help you achieve optimal health and wellness in a professional setting.

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