As the name implies, they are stones formed in the kidney/urinary tract when certain salts & minerals in the urine become too concentrated leading to their crystallisation & eventual stone formation
Kidney stones can form due to not drinking enough water, eating too much salt or protein, being overweight, or having a family history of stones, recurrent urinary infections & high urinary uric acid levels.
Common symptoms include sharp pain in the lower back or side, loin to groin pain associated with nausea & vomiting, pain while urinating, blood in the urine & frequent urge to urinate. Sometimes they may also be asymptomatic and incidentally detected on routine abdominal scans.
Small stones (less than 5mm) can often pass naturally through urine with good hydration. The probability of spontaneous stone passage reduces with increasing stone size and may need medical/surgical treatment.
We usually confirm kidney stones using ultrasound, X-ray, or a CT scan. A urine test or blood test may also be done to find out the primary cause of stone formation.
Conservative treatments include drinking more fluids, pain medications & medications to relax the ureter to facilitate stone passage for smaller stones. Larger stones may require procedures like URSL(ureteroscopic lithotripsy), laser treatment (RIRS), shock wave therapy (ESWL), or keyhole surgery (PCNL) depending on the stone size and location.
Laser treatment (RIRS) is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure where a flexible scope is passed into the kidney, and a laser is used to break the stone into dust-like particles.
If your pain is severe, you’re unable to pass urine, notice blood in urine, have repeated infections or a strong family history of kidney stones, it’s best to consult a urologist immediately.
If left untreated, obstructive stones can cause infection or kidney damage due to blockage of urine flow. Non-obstructed stones may cause blood in urine or repeated urinary infections.
Drink plenty of water, reduce salt intake, limit animal protein, and follow a diet low in oxalates (found in spinach, chocolate, nuts). A 6 monthly/yearly USG is recommended for recurrent stone formers.
Yes, children can get kidney stones too. Causes may include poor hydration, diet, or genetic conditions.
Yes, it is possible. The incidence of a stone recurrence is 50% in a first time stone former. Hence, regular check-ups help prevent recurrence.
Not always. Small stones can pass on their own. Surgery is only needed if stones are large, stuck, or causing complications.
Based on the type of surgery required your surgeon may opt for Spinal or General anesthesia. Both are safe,effective with a swift recovery.
It is given using a very fine needle and has very minimal discomfort while administering anesthesia. It does not have any long term complications. It safe,effective and practiced regularly.
Recovery depends on the type of procedure. Most laser or keyhole surgeries have a quick recovery time – usually within a few days.
Modern techniques like laser surgery are almost painless and done under anesthesia. You’ll have minimal discomfort after the procedure.
Diet can play a major role in preventing new stones. A customized diet plan based on the stone type is often advised.
No. While beer may increase urine output, it doesn’t help in stone prevention and may harm the kidneys. Beer also increases the incidence of formation of uric acid stones. Soda, especially cola, can also increase the risk of stones.
No. While beer may increase urine output, it doesn’t help in stone prevention and may harm the kidneys. Beer also increases the incidence of formation of uric acid stones. Soda, especially cola, can also increase the risk of stones.
Yes, people with diabetes and high blood pressure may have a higher risk of developing kidney stones.
Yes, stones can form in one or both kidneys. Having stones in both kidneys may need closer monitoring and treatment.
Yes. Follow-ups help check if the stones are gone completely and to prevent new ones from forming.
