Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, urinary issues, and potential complications if left untreated. Our comprehensive treatment approach focuses on pain relief, stone removal, and prevention of recurrence to ensure optimal kidney health.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Severe pain in the lower back, side, or abdomen
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills (in case of infection)

Diagnosis

We use advanced diagnostic tools to detect and assess kidney stones:

• Urine Analysis: Identifies blood, infection, or stone-forming substances in urine.
• Blood Tests: Evaluates kidney function and detects excess minerals that may cause stones.
• Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT scan, and X-rays to determine the size and location of the stones.
• Stone Analysis: Identifies the composition of passed stones to guide prevention strategies.

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the kidney stones:

• Conservative Management (For Small Stones):
  
  • Increased fluid intake to flush out small stones naturally.
  • Pain management with medications.
  • Alpha-blockers to relax the urinary tract and facilitate stone passage.
• Medical Expulsion Therapy:
  
  • Medications such as tamsulosin to help stones pass more easily.
  • Dietary adjustments to reduce stone formation risk.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures (For Medium to Large Stones):
  
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): High-energy shock waves break stones into smaller fragments for natural passage.
  • Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin scope is inserted through the urethra to remove or break stones using a laser.
  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A keyhole surgical approach to remove large or complex kidney stones.
• Surgical Interventions (For Large or Stubborn Stones):
  
  • Laparoscopic or Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Used for large stones that cannot be treated with other methods.

Prevention Strategies

To minimize the risk of kidney stone recurrence, we provide:

• Dietary Counseling: Personalized plans to reduce intake of oxalate, sodium, and high-purine foods.
• Hydration Guidance: Encouraging increased fluid intake to dilute urine and prevent stone formation.
• Medication Therapy: Prescribing medications to prevent stone formation in high-risk patients.
• Metabolic Evaluation: Identifying underlying conditions that contribute to recurrent kidney stones.

When to Seek Treatment

Immediate medical attention is required if you experience:

• Intense, persistent pain that does not improve.
• Blood in urine.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Signs of infection, such as fever and chills.

Our goal is to provide effective, minimally invasive treatments for kidney stones while focusing on long-term prevention and kidney health.