Nephrolithiasis, or a kidney stone, begins with crystallization of minerals from urine into a stone.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Typically kidney stones formed in the kidney do not cause many symptoms. If a kidney stone migrates into the ureter, the drainage tube between the kidney and bladder, it can block the flow of urine out of the kidney. The blockage leads to pressure in the kidney and renal colic, an excruciating pain that often starts in the flank and shoots into the lower abdomen or groin in waves. There can also be nausea and vomiting. “Passing a kidney stone” refers to the time in which a stone is making its way through the ureter into the bladder.
Treatment of Kidney Stones
Personalized treatment of kidney stones depends on size, location, hardness, stone type, and symptoms. Options include:
- Observation
- Medications to help with passage and pain
- Medications to dissolve kidney stones
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): fragmenting stones with a machine using sound waves
- Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy: passage of small instruments into the urinary tract to fragment and remove stones from the ureter or kidney
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): tunneling small instruments through the back directly into the kidney to remove larger stones
- Robotic and laparoscopic surgery to remove very large stones or even the whole kidney
Prevention of Kidney Stones
Prevention of kidney stones involves blood testing, stone composition analysis, and specialized urine testing. Often hydration and dietary changes can be used to prevent stone formation, but in some cases medication can be beneficial. Our specialized kidney stone center involves the multi-disciplinary expertise of nephrologists, endocrinologists, and dieticians when appropriate.
The doctors at Fore River Urology are skilled in the evaluation, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones. They will review all options, personalized to your individual situation. For an appointment, please call 207-518-6600.
Helpful information for patients is available at the National Institutes of Health website.