Kidney Stone Services

• Blood tests: can reveal if you have high levels of minerals in your blood stream that can lead to the formation of kidney stones.
• Imaging: Computerized Tomography (CT) is the gold-standard for imaging of kidney stones. Ultrasound or Kidney-Ureter-Bladder [KUB] X-ray can sometimes be used as well.
• Urine tests: a 24-hour collection can reveal the imbalances of water, minerals and acidity that contribute to kidney stone formation.

Urine is basically water, waste products and a variety of minerals. When the balance among the three components is off, the minerals can stick together to form kidney stones. Kidney stones form over time and range from the size of a grain of sand to a golf ball.

There are four common types of kidney stones.

• Calcium oxalate stones: the most common type of kidney stones; numerous factors can contribute to formation of this type of stones.
• Uric acid stones: develop from consuming purine-rich foods, such as organ meat, alcohol, seafood and sweetened beverages, and/or having acidic urine.
• Struvite stones: caused by bacterial infections.
• Cystine stones: an inherited metabolic condition called cystinuria.

Anyone can develop kidney stones, but you may be at a higher risk if you:

• Don’t drink enough fluids.
• Are rapidly losing weight.
• Eat an excessive amount of purine-rich foods.
• Eat foods high in salt.
• Had stomach or intestinal surgery.
• Have a blockage in your urinary tract.
• Have certain medical conditions including gout, inflammatory bowel disease, obesity, migraines or hyperparathyroidism.
• Have a family history of kidney stones.
• Take certain medications such as calcium-based antacids, some anti-seizure medications, certain migraine madications and some diuretics.

The most common symptom you may experience with kidney stones is pain under your ribs or radiating downward toward your groin. The severity of pain can range from mild to severe. Sometimes the lower ureter and bladder are irritated by the stone, mimicking symptom of a UTI – urinary frequency, pelvic pressure, blood in the urine.

Other kidney stone symptoms include:

• Abnormal-appearing urine
• Fever & Chills [if associated with an infection]
• Frequent urination
• Inability to urinate
• Nausea/vomiting

Once you are diagnosed with kidney stones, our team will promptly develop a personalized plan specific to your needs. Your treatment depends on the severity of your condition. Your doctor may suggest medications to dilate the ureter to speed up the passage of the stone.

• Surgery may be required if:
  • The stone is too large to pass on its own.
  • Kidney function is deteriorating.
  • Pain cannot be managed.
  • Evidence of infection is present.
  • The stone has not passed within 4-6 weeks.

Some of the surgical procedures our urology team offers include:

• Flexible Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy and Ureteral Stent Insertion – The most common surgical approach. It has the highest success rate and lowest complication rate.
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy – An alternative surgical treatment for stones within the kidney or upper portion of the ureter. This surgery is not available on an emergency basis.
• Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy – A more invasive surgical approach typically reserved for very large stones or infection-based stones.

Our team will also help you develop a plan to prevent kidney stones form in the future. Some ways you can prevent kidney stones include:

• Drink enough fluids to make at least 64 ounces of urine daily
• Add lemons to beverages
• Reduce salt
• Eat no more than a modest amount of meat
• Reduce purine-rich foods
• Take a preventative medication (talk to your doctor about medications that are available)