Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.
Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.
Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent damage if they’re recognized in a timely fashion. Depending on your situation, you may need nothing more than to take pain medication and drink lots of water to pass a kidney stone. In other instances — for example, if stones become lodged in the urinary tract, are associated with a urinary infection or cause complications — surgery may be needed.
A kidney stone usually will not cause symptoms until it moves around within the kidney or passes into one of the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder.
If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the ureters, it may block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm, which can be very painful. At that point, you may experience these symptoms:
Common symptoms include severe side or back pain, blood in urine, nausea, burning urination, or pain moving toward the groin. Learn more about kidney and ureteric stones and related urology services.
No. Small stones may pass naturally, while larger or complicated stones may require treatment. Procedures such as RIRS may be considered depending on the stone’s size, location, and symptoms.
Yes. Kidney stones can recur, so your urologist may recommend appropriate fluid intake, dietary measures, tests, or other preventive steps based on the stone type. Patients can read the comprehensive kidney stone treatment and prevention guide, learn about advanced RIRS treatment, or contact the clinic for personalised follow-up advice.
Yes. RIRS uses laser technology to treat suitable kidney stones through the natural urinary passage. Patients can learn more about available kidney stone treatment options before consultation.
Dr. Prakash Sankapal consults at NewEra Hospitals, Vashi and JP Kidney Care, Ulwe, Navi Mumbai. Patients can check his hospital locations or contact page for appointment details.