Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They may remain within the kidney or move into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), where they can partially or completely block the flow of urine.
Not every kidney stone causes symptoms. Many are discovered incidentally during an ultrasound or CT scan performed for another reason. Symptoms usually occur when a stone moves, causes obstruction or irritates the lining of the urinary tract.
Common Symptoms
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms. The severity often depends on the size, location and movement of the stone.
- Severe pain in the side or back (flank pain)
- Pain that radiates towards the groin
- Blood in the urine (visible or microscopic)
- Burning while passing urine
- Frequent urge to pass urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Fever and chills if infection is present
Why do Kidney Stones Form?
Kidney stones develop when certain minerals and salts become highly concentrated in the urine and gradually form crystals. Over time, these crystals may grow into stones of varying sizes.
There is rarely a single cause. In most patients, stone formation is the result of a combination of dietary, genetic, environmental and medical factors.
Common Risk Factors
- Not drinking enough water
- Living or working in hot climates
- Previous history of kidney stones
- Family history of stone disease
- High salt intake
- Diets rich in animal protein
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Certain bowel diseases or previous intestinal surgery
- Some medications and metabolic disorders
Identifying the underlying cause helps reduce the chance of future stone formation.
When Should I See a Doctor?
You should seek medical attention if you develop severe flank pain, blood in the urine, recurrent urinary infections or persistent urinary symptoms. Even small stones may require evaluation, particularly if symptoms are recurring.
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- Fever with severe flank pain
- Inability to pass urine
- Pain that is not relieved with medication
- Persistent vomiting
- A single functioning kidney with severe pain
- Pregnancy with suspected kidney stones
Diagnosis
Your doctor will recommend investigations based on your symptoms, examination findings and medical history. Not every patient requires every investigation.
- Medical history and physical examination
- Urine examination
- Blood investigations (when appropriate)
- Ultrasound KUB
- NCCT KUB (Non-Contrast CT scan)
- Stone analysis and metabolic evaluation (selected patients)
A Non-Contrast CT (NCCT KUB) is often the most accurate investigation for diagnosing urinary stones and determining their size and location.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on several factors including the size and location of the stone, severity of symptoms, presence of infection, kidney function, previous surgeries and your overall health.
Your urologist will recommend the option most appropriate for your individual situation after careful clinical evaluation.
Observation
Many small stones pass naturally with adequate hydration, pain relief and close follow-up.
Medical Management
Certain medications may help relieve pain, treat infection or facilitate stone passage in selected patients.
RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)
A minimally invasive laser procedure performed through the natural urinary passage to treat stones within the kidney.
Read the detailed RIRS guide →URSL (Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy)
Used to treat stones located within the ureter using a small endoscope and laser technology.
Read the detailed URSL guide →PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
Recommended for larger or complex kidney stones through a small incision in the back.
Read the detailed PCNL guide →Prevention
Although not every kidney stone can be prevented, many patients can significantly reduce their risk of recurrence through lifestyle changes and appropriate medical follow-up.
- Drink adequate fluids throughout the day (unless advised otherwise by your doctor).
- Reduce excess salt intake.
- Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Do not stop dietary calcium without medical advice.
- Follow stone-specific dietary advice if your stone composition is known.
- Attend regular follow-up if you have recurrent stone disease.
Myth vs Fact
Myth
Every kidney stone requires surgery.
Fact
Many small stones pass naturally. Treatment depends on the size, location of the stone, symptoms and the patient's overall condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a kidney stone pass on its own?
Yes. Many smaller stones pass naturally, although they should still be assessed by a doctor.
Will every kidney stone cause severe pain?
No. Some stones remain completely silent and are discovered incidentally during imaging.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes. Recurrence is common, which is why prevention and follow-up are important.
Which scan is best for kidney stones?
A Non-Contrast CT (NCCT KUB) is often the most accurate investigation, although an ultrasound may be appropriate in many situations.
Can drinking more water dissolve a stone?
Drinking adequate fluids helps reduce future stone formation and may assist the passage of some smaller stones, but it does not dissolve most existing stones.
How SR Speciality Hospital Can Help
At SR Speciality Hospital, patients with kidney stones receive a comprehensive evaluation aimed at identifying not only the stone, but also the underlying factors that may have contributed to its formation.
Treatment recommendations are individualized after careful clinical assessment. Depending on your condition, management may range from observation and medical therapy to advanced minimally invasive endoscopic procedures such as RIRS, URSL and PCNL.