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Kidney stones are more common than most people think, and they can cause sudden, intense pain that’s difficult to ignore. Basically, kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine collect and become hard deposits inside the kidneys. They can also dislodge and pass through urine and cause severe pain in the process. For patients experiencing a stone passing, it can trigger tremendous anxiety. On the bright side, it can be safely treated, and there are numerous procedures available for it. In this blog, we go over what kidney stone treatment is and how to prevent kidney stones.
Synopsis
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are small and hard deposits that form inside the kidneys when minerals and salts in the urine stick together and crystallise. They can vary in size from tiny grains to larger stones that block urine flow and cause intense pain. Frequently found types of minerals that form stones include calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Knowing the type of stone allows doctors to choose the most suitable treatment and prevent it from returning.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stone symptoms usually start when the stone moves within the kidney or enters the urinary tract. The pain can come suddenly and vary in intensity as the stone shifts its position. Some people may feel discomfort for days, while others experience sharp, severe pain that demands quick attention. You may notice:
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Sharp or cramping pain in the back, side, or groin
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Blood in urine
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Nausea or vomiting
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Fever or chills, which may signal an infection
Latest Treatment for Kidney Stone Removal
Kidney stone treatment depends on the size, location, and type of the stone. Smaller stones may pass naturally with medication and fluids. Larger ones often need kidney stone removal procedures.
1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Kidney stone removal through ESWL is frequently suggested and is one of the least invasive treatments available. It uses focused shock waves sent through the skin to break the stone into smaller fragments. These pieces can then pass naturally through urine over the next few days or weeks. The procedure is safe and widely used for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter.
Advantages:
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Performed as an outpatient procedure; most patients go home the same day
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Usually takes less than an hour to complete
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Works best for smaller stones, often under 2 cm, depending on their location
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Mild pain, bruising, or blood in urine may occur briefly after treatment
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Some patients may need a second session if fragments don’t pass completely
2. Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy
Laser treatment for kidney stones is often done through a procedure called ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. A thin, flexible scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to the ureter or kidney to locate the stone. Once the stone is in view, a laser fibre is used to break it up or vaporise it into smaller fragments.
Advantages:
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The scope gives direct visibility, allowing precise treatment.
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Stone pieces can be removed immediately with a small basket or left to pass naturally.
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Works best for stones in the mid or lower ureter.
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Minimally invasive and performed under anaesthesia.
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Most patients recover quickly and return home the same day.
3. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)
Minimally invasive kidney stone surgery using RIRS is a highly advanced option for treating stones inside the kidney that are difficult to reach by other means. A flexible ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and bladder, up into the kidney. A laser or specialised instrument then “dusts” or fragments the stone under direct vision.
Advantages:
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The scope reaches inside the kidney without external incisions, keeping recovery time short.
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The laser breaks stones into tiny particles that either pass naturally or are removed immediately.
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It is especially suitable for small-to-medium stones and anatomical challenges.
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Most patients return home within a day or two with minimal discomfort.
4. Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS)
Kidney stone surgery through ECIRS is an advanced technique that combines two procedures: Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This dual approach allows doctors to access the kidney from both inside and outside at the same time, making it highly effective for treating large, multiple, or complex stones.
Advantages:
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Provides direct visual access to stones for precise removal
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Improves overall stone clearance in a single session
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Reduces the total procedure and recovery time
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Minimally invasive, performed under anaesthesia, and faster healing compared to traditional surgery
5. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL surgery is a procedure doctors use to remove larger kidney stones that can’t pass on their own naturally in the urine. During the procedure, a small cut on the back is made to reach the kidney directly. Through this tiny opening, a thin scope and surgical tools are inserted to break and remove the stones.
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Usually recommended for stones bigger than 2 cm or staghorn stones that fill part of the kidney
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Done under anaesthesia, with a short hospital stay
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Most patients recover quickly and feel relief soon after the procedure
6. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET)
Medical treatment for kidney stones works well for smaller stones that can pass naturally but require some nudging. For this purpose, medicines like alpha-blockers that relax the muscles in the ureter are given. It helps the stone move out and dislodge.
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Makes passing the stone less painful and faster
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It can help avoid surgery in many cases
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Works best when patients drink plenty of water and stay in touch with their doctor for follow-up care
General Tips for Kidney Stone Management
Kidney stone prevention should start with simple daily habits that decrease the chance of stone formation. Staying well hydrated is most important, as it stops the minerals from concentrating. Tips:
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Aim for 2 to 3 litres of water each day to keep urine clear and dilute and flush out concentrated solutions.
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Limit salt and animal protein in your diet
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Cut down on oxalate-rich foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate
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Maintain a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition
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Keep regular follow-ups and urine tests to monitor your kidney health
These steps make a big difference in preventing future stone formation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help?
Severe kidney stone pain can sometimes signal a serious problem that needs urgent care. You should contact your doctor right away if:
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The pain is constant and not relieved by medication
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You have a fever or chills, which could mean an infection
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You notice blood clots or large amounts of blood in your urine
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You’re unable to urinate at all
Conclusion
Kidney stones can affect anyone suddenly, but they’re completely treatable. These days, many of the modern and minimally invasive procedures make recovery fast. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are necessary to prevent complications and reduce suffering.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, visit our top urologists at Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road for expert evaluation and advanced treatment options designed to help you recover.
FAQ's
Kidney stones develop when certain minerals and salts in the urine stick together and form crystals. Not drinking enough water and diets high in animal protein can also factor in. Some people are also more prone because of family history or medical conditions.
Yes, sometimes smaller stones can pass naturally in the urine, and sometimes people don’t even realise it. If the stone is larger or gets stuck, you may need a procedure to remove it.
Surgery is not needed for all types of kidney stones. Many cases are treated with medications. The next step is non-surgical procedures like shock wave or laser therapy. There are many different types of kidney stone surgery for treatment available.
The best way is to stay well hydrated and make small diet changes. Cut down on salt, limit animal protein, and avoid too many oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts. Follow-up tests help check if your kidneys are clear.
Recovery depends on the procedure. Most people feel better within a few days after a non-invasive treatment. If you’ve had surgery, your doctor will advise you on rest, hydration, and when to return to daily activities.
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