Urinary Stones: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Urinary Stones

Our team of experts are outfitted with the best equipment and world-class technology to help the patients with the best possible care. With the most advanced imaging modalities and comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your personalized needs, we strive to deliver the best outcomes. We prioritize not only effective therapy but also thorough assistance and counselling all the way through your recuperation.

Don’t let a tiny stone can make a big impact on your life. At Surya Hospital we offer personalized care, bringing together the best interventions, to help you get rid of the problem with added safety and precision.

What are Urinary Stones?

Urinary stones, also known as kidney stones or renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that occur within the urinary tract.

These stones range in size from microscopic grains to bigger formations and can cause severe discomfort and suffering.

While small urinary stones may be asymptomatic and pass out on their own, larger ones may give rise to potentially serious symptoms and require medical intervention.

Types of Urinary Stones

Urinary stones are broadly classified into two types based on the location in which they develop. These are:

Bladder Stones: The stones develop in the urinary bladder. These are small in size and are made up of minerals like calcium, struvite and uric acid. These are linked with frequent urinary tract infections, benign prostatic hyperplasia and loss of bladder function
Kidney Stones: The stones develop in the kidneys. These can grow quite large and are usually made up of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, or cystine. These can be a result of certain metabolic/genetic disorders as well as unhealthy habits like low water intake.

When should you consider seeing our experts?

You should consider seeing an expert if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Pain in the back or lower abdomen
Frequent urge to urinate
Experiencing pain or burning sensation while urinating
Traces of blood in the urine
Urine retention
Unusual change in urine colour
Urine that is cloudy or has an unpleasant odour

What causes Urinary Stones?

Urinary stones can form as a result of a variety of circumstances, including:

Dehydration: A lack of fluid consumption might result in concentrated urine, which increases the risk of stone development.
Diet: Certain foods, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, can lead to stone formation.
Family history: A family history of urinary stones increases an individual's propensity to develop them.
Medical Conditions: Hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections, and cystic kidney disease can all increase the probability of stone formation.

How we diagnose you

The diagnostic procedures are recommended on the basis of the symptoms that the patients are experiencing. These include:

Physical examination and assessment of the patient’s medical history
Imaging modalities like ultrasound, computed tomography and X-rays to detect the stones and assess their size and location.
Blood and urine analysis to determine the type of stone, which is crucial for planning the treatment

Treatments

Our Urology Department at Surya Hospitals provides innovative and personalized treatments for urinary stones, suited to each patient's specific needs. We hold expertise in the following:

Medical Management: Our urologists may recommend increased fluid intake, pain management, and drugs to facilitate stone transit and decrease symptoms for tiny stones that are likely to pass naturally.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL): ESWL is a non-invasive therapy that employs shock waves to shatter kidney stones into tiny fragments, allowing them to flow naturally through urine.
Ureteroscopy is used when stones are found in the ureter or bladder. Our urologists may perform ureteroscopy closer to the bladder. This minimally invasive method involves visualizing and removing the stones through a tiny tube equipped with a camera.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): PCNL may be recommended for larger or more difficult stones. This technique entails making a small incision in the back to access and remove kidney stones.
Laser Lithotripsy: Laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive therapy that employs laser radiation to break down stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to remove or pass naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Kidney stones painful?

Kidney stones are not always painful. Smaller stones are generally asymptomatic and pain and discomfort are generally caused by larger stones.

Is it possible to prevent kidney stones?

The risks of developing certain kidney stones can be brought down by adhering to some simple practices. These include:

Staying hydrated
Lowering sodium intake
Cutting down on the consumption of foods rich in oxalate
Lowering the intake of red meat
Refraining from taking calcium supplements

What are the complications of Urinary Stones?

Various complications associated with urinary stones include:

Urinary tract infections
Hydronephrosis
Renal damage
Recurrent stone formation
Renal colic
Hematuria
Septicemia

Can Bladder stones recur after treatment?

Yes bladder stones can recur after treatment, which makes it important to go for regular monitoring and take necessary preventive measures.

Are bladder stones linked to cancer?

Bladder stones., which are left untreated for long, can elevate the risks of infections which can increase the likelihood of developing cancer in some cases.