Kidney stones are a common cause of sudden, severe loin pain and one of the most frequent urological emergency presentations. Treatment depends on the size, position and composition of the stone.
CONDITIONS
Kidney Stones
Common Risk Factors
• Low fluid intake or dehydration
• Diet high in salt, animal protein, oxalate-rich foods or sugar
• Obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure
• Family or personal history of stones
How We Diagnose Kidney Stones
• Blood and urine tests
• Imaging – ultrasound for monitoring, CT KUB for most adults
• Stone analysis when a stone is passed or removed
How We Treat Kidney Stones
• Ureteric stone treatment
• Medical therapy for smaller stones
• Ureteric stenting to unblock the kidney and relieve pain and obstruction
• Ureteroscopy and laser treatment to remove the stone
• Kidney stone treatment
• Observation for small stones, with imaging
• Flexible ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
• Shock wave lithotripsy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Preventing Recurrence
Around 50% of people who form a kidney stone will form another within ten years, so prevention is an important part of your care.
• Sending the stone for testing to help guide prevention through hydration, diet and lifestyle
• Blood and urine tests when needed to guide further stone prevention strategies
• May need referral to nephrologist (medical kidney specialist) in certain cases
