Kidney and ureteric stones are hard deposits formed from minerals and other substances in the urine. Kidney stones develop within the kidneys, while ureteric stones are found in the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder.
Stones may remain without symptoms or cause pain, urinary obstruction, blood in the urine or infection. Their management depends on stone size, location, symptoms, kidney function and other clinical findings.
Dr. Prakash Sankapal, a urologist in Navi Mumbai , provides consultations for kidney and ureteric stone conditions at NewEra Hospitals, Vashi, and JP Kidney Care, Ulwe. Treatment decisions are based on individual clinical assessment.
What Are Kidney and Ureteric Stones?
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, form when certain substances in the urine become concentrated and crystallise.
Stones may form in different parts of the kidney. Some remain within the kidney, while others move into the ureter and may interfere with urine drainage.
A ureteric stone can cause sudden pain, particularly when it obstructs the normal flow of urine.
Important: Some kidney stones do not require immediate removal. However, obstruction, infection, persistent pain or deterioration in kidney function may require medical intervention.
What Causes Kidney and Ureteric Stones?
Kidney stone formation can involve several factors, including urine composition, hydration, diet, metabolic conditions and individual medical history.
Contributing factors may include:
- Low urine volume: Inadequate fluid intake or excessive fluid loss may increase urine concentration.
- Dietary factors: High sodium intake and certain dietary patterns can increase stone risk.
- Family history: Some individuals have an inherited tendency to develop urinary stones.
- Metabolic conditions: Conditions affecting urinary calcium, uric acid, oxalate or other substances may contribute to stone formation.
- Urinary tract conditions: Certain anatomical abnormalities or recurrent infections may be associated with stones.
- Medications and supplements: Certain medicines or supplements may increase stone risk in some patients.
Not every patient has the same risk factors. Evaluation helps identify potentially relevant causes.
What Are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are classified according to their chemical composition. Identifying stone composition may help guide prevention.
1. Calcium Stones
Calcium-containing stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, are common. Urinary calcium, oxalate and other metabolic factors can influence their formation.
2. Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones may form when urine is persistently acidic. Selected uric acid stones can sometimes be managed with urine alkalinisation.
3. Struvite Stones
Struvite stones are associated with certain urinary tract infections. They may become large and require specific medical and procedural management.
4. Cystine Stones
Cystine stones occur in people with cystinuria, an inherited condition that causes excess cystine to enter the urine.
What Are the Symptoms of Kidney and Ureteric Stones?
Some stones do not cause noticeable symptoms. Others may produce symptoms when they move or obstruct urine flow.
- Severe pain in the side or back.
- Pain spreading towards the lower abdomen or groin.
- Blood in the urine.
- Burning or discomfort during urination.
- Increased urinary frequency or urgency.
- Nausea or vomiting associated with severe pain.
- Difficulty passing urine in certain circumstances.
- Fever or chills when infection is present.
Symptoms alone cannot confirm a kidney stone. Other urinary and abdominal conditions may cause similar problems.
Burning urination or fever may also indicate a urinary tract infection , requiring appropriate assessment.
When Do Kidney Stones Require Urgent Medical Attention?
Certain symptoms may indicate urinary obstruction, infection or another serious complication.
- Fever or chills with suspected kidney stone pain.
- Severe or worsening pain that is not controlled.
- Inability to pass urine.
- Persistent vomiting or inability to maintain adequate hydration.
- Suspected obstruction in a person with a single functioning kidney.
- Signs of severe infection, including confusion, marked weakness or feeling seriously unwell.
Medical warning: An infected, obstructed kidney is a urological emergency. It may require urgent antibiotics and drainage of the urinary collecting system. Definitive stone removal is generally delayed until the infection is controlled.
How Are Kidney and Ureteric Stones Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with symptoms, medical history and appropriate clinical examination.
Investigations may include:
- Urine examination: May identify blood, infection or other urinary abnormalities.
- Urine culture: May be required when infection is suspected or before certain procedures.
- Blood tests: May assess kidney function, infection markers and relevant metabolic factors.
- Ultrasonography: Can identify some stones and signs of urinary tract obstruction.
- Non-contrast CT: May be used to confirm stone size, location, density and urinary anatomy.
- Stone analysis: Examination of a passed or removed stone may help identify composition.
The choice of investigation depends on symptoms, urgency, radiation considerations and clinical findings.
What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney and Ureteric Stones?
Kidney stone treatment is selected according to stone characteristics, symptoms, kidney function, infection status and other individual medical considerations.
1. Observation and Monitoring
Selected small stones may pass naturally or remain stable without immediate intervention. Monitoring may include follow-up imaging and assessment of symptoms.
2. Medical Management
Appropriate medicines may be used to relieve pain. Selected patients with distal ureteric stones may be offered medical expulsive therapy. Certain uric acid stones may be suitable for dissolution treatment.
Medicines should be used according to clinical assessment and prescribing advice.
3. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock wave lithotripsy uses externally generated shock waves to break suitable stones into smaller fragments.
Suitability depends on stone size, location, density and individual anatomical factors.
4. Ureteroscopy (URS)
Ureteroscopy uses an endoscopic instrument passed through the urinary passage to access a ureteric stone. The stone may be removed or fragmented using appropriate equipment.
5. RIRS – Laser Kidney Stone Treatment
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure used to manage selected kidney stones. A flexible scope is passed through the natural urinary passage into the kidney, where laser energy may be used to fragment stones.
Learn more about RIRS treatment for kidney stones in Navi Mumbai .
6. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a surgical procedure in which the kidney is accessed through a small opening in the back.
It is often considered for larger or more complex kidney stones. European Association of Urology guidelines generally recommend PCNL as first-line treatment for renal stones larger than 2 cm.
Important: No single treatment is appropriate for every stone. A procedure may require additional treatment sessions, and all interventions have possible risks.
Comparing Kidney Stone Treatment Options
The following table provides a general overview of commonly used management approaches.
| Treatment | General Use |
|---|---|
| Observation | Selected stones suitable for monitoring or possible natural passage. |
| Medical Therapy | Symptom management or facilitating passage of selected ureteric stones. |
| SWL | Fragmentation of appropriately selected stones using shock waves. |
| URS | Endoscopic treatment of ureteric stones. |
| RIRS | Flexible endoscopic treatment of selected stones within the kidney. |
| PCNL | Surgical removal of larger or complex kidney stone burdens. |
Treatment selection should consider the benefits, limitations and possible complications of each option.
For detailed clinical information, refer to the European Association of Urology Guidelines on Urolithiasis .
How Can the Risk of Kidney Stone Recurrence Be Reduced?
Kidney stones can recur after passing naturally or following treatment. Prevention depends on stone composition and individual risk factors.
General preventive measures may include:
- Adequate fluid intake: Maintain fluid intake appropriate to individual health and medical advice.
- Moderate sodium intake: Limiting excess dietary salt may reduce risk for certain stone types.
- Balanced nutrition: Dietary recommendations should consider stone composition and nutritional requirements.
- Normal dietary calcium: Calcium should not automatically be restricted. The appropriate intake depends on medical and nutritional assessment.
- Metabolic evaluation: Some patients may require blood tests or 24-hour urine studies.
- Follow-up: Imaging and clinical review may be advised to monitor residual or recurrent stones.
People with kidney failure, heart failure or fluid restrictions should not increase fluid intake without medical advice.
Further patient information is available from NIDDK – Eating, Diet, and Nutrition for Kidney Stones .
Is Follow-Up Necessary After Kidney Stone Treatment?
Follow-up may be necessary to assess stone clearance, kidney drainage, symptoms and recurrence risk.
Depending on the condition, a urologist may recommend:
- Review of symptoms and recovery.
- Follow-up ultrasound or other imaging.
- Stone composition analysis.
- Blood or urine investigations.
- Metabolic evaluation in selected patients.
- Dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
The timing and frequency of follow-up depend on the individual’s clinical findings and risk factors.
Kidney Stone Consultation in Vashi and Ulwe, Navi Mumbai
Dr. Prakash Sankapal provides urology consultations for kidney and ureteric stone conditions at NewEra Hospitals, Vashi, and JP Kidney Care, Ulwe.
Clinical assessment may include reviewing symptoms, previous treatment, imaging reports and laboratory investigations to determine appropriate management options.
NewEra Hospitals – Vashi
Sion–Panvel Highway,Sector 7, Vashi,
Navi Mumbai,
Maharashtra 400703.
Contact: +91 8007542142
JP Kidney Care – Ulwe
Plot No. 70,Moreshwar Heritage,
Sector 5, Ulwe,
Navi Mumbai,
Maharashtra 410206.
Contact: +91 8591009591
These are consultation locations. The facility where a procedure may be performed should be confirmed separately if surgical treatment is considered.
Clinic timings, directions and contact information are available on the urology consultation information page .
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney and Ureteric Stones
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. Ureteric stones are stones located in the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Symptoms may include severe flank pain, pain extending to the groin, blood in the urine, nausea and urinary discomfort. Some stones cause no symptoms.
Some small ureteric stones pass naturally. The likelihood depends on stone size, location and individual clinical factors. Monitoring may be necessary.
No. Some stones can be monitored or managed with medicines. Surgery may be considered when a stone causes persistent symptoms, obstruction, infection or other complications.
Laser treatment may be used during ureteroscopy or RIRS to fragment suitable stones. The choice depends on the stone’s characteristics and the patient’s condition. Learn more about RIRS laser kidney stone treatment .
A 10 mm stone is less likely to pass spontaneously than a smaller stone, particularly depending on its location. Assessment is needed to determine whether observation or active treatment is appropriate.
Yes. Persistent urinary obstruction, infection or other complications may affect kidney function. Urgent assessment is important when an obstructing stone is associated with fever or reduced urine output.
Yes. Kidney stones can recur. Fluid intake, dietary measures, stone analysis and metabolic evaluation may help guide prevention according to individual risk.
Diagnosis may involve medical history, urine and blood tests, ultrasound or non-contrast CT imaging. Investigations depend on the clinical findings.
Dr. Prakash Sankapal provides urology consultations at NewEra Hospitals, Vashi, and JP Kidney Care, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. Visit the consultation and clinic contact page for location and schedule information.
Medical References
The following resources provide additional evidence-based information about urinary stones.
Medical Disclaimer: Website content and visuals are for general informational, educational and representational purposes only, may not reflect individual patient conditions or outcomes, and do not replace personalised medical advice, diagnosis or clinical assessment.