Kidney Stones

Kidney and ureter stones can cause significant discomfort and complications. Common symptoms include:

• Severe, sharp flank pain that may radiate into the groin or lower abdomen, often coming in waves

• Burning or painful urination, often with frequent urges to urinate

• Cloudy, foul-smelling, or discolored urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever and chills in some cases, especially when infection is present

A variety of factors can contribute to the formation of kidney stones, including:

• Family or personal history of kidney stones

• Dehydration from inadequate fluid intake, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes-related urine changes, or excessive sweating

• Diets high in salt, sugar, or animal protein

• Obesity

• Medical conditions such as kidney disease, hormonal imbalances (including hyperparathyroidism), or post-gastric bypass surgery

• Overuse of calcium-based antacids, excess vitamin C, or certain migraine and depression medications

Accurate diagnosis is key to effective treatment and prevention of recurrence. Your AUCNY urologist may use:

• A detailed medical history and physical exam, including review of family history and lifestyle factors

• Blood tests to check calcium, uric acid, hydration status, and overall kidney function

• Urine tests, including 24-hour urine collection to analyze substances contributing to stone formation

• Imaging studies such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound

• Laboratory analysis of passed stones to determine their composition (e.g., calcium, uric acid, oxalate, or struvite), which helps guide both treatment and prevention strategies

Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone as well as the severity of symptoms.

Small Stones

For smaller stones, conservative management may include:

• Increasing fluid intake to help flush the stone

• Pain medications to make passage more tolerable

• Prescription medications such as alpha blockers (e.g., tamsulosin/Flomax, dutasteride) to relax the ureter and promote stone passage

Larger Stones

If stones are too large to pass naturally, minimally invasive or surgical options may be recommended, including:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): High-energy sound waves break the stone into smaller particles that can pass through urine

• Ureteroscopy with Laser Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure using a scope and laser energy to fragment stones in the ureter

• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A surgical procedure using small instruments inserted through the back to directly remove large kidney stones