In simple words
A stone is a hard lump that forms in the kidney. Small ones often pass out in the urine on their own. Bigger ones can block the urine pipe and cause severe pain. These are broken or removed using a thin telescope passed through the urine passage, so there is no cut on the body in most methods.
Who needs this treatment
- Severe pain in the side of the back that comes in waves
- Blood in the urine
- A stone seen on a scan that is too big to pass by itself
- Repeated urine infection because of a stone
What happens, step by step
- A scan shows the size and exact position of the stone
- You are given anaesthesia
- A thin telescope is passed through the urine passage to reach the stone
- The stone is broken with a laser and the pieces are removed or passed out
How many days it takes
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Before
Urine test and scan. The method is chosen after seeing the results.
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Day of procedure
Admission and procedure. Length of stay depends on the method used.
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First week
Drink a lot of water. Some burning when passing urine is common at first.
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Review
Follow-up visit with a repeat scan if the surgeon asks for one.
After you go home
- Drink plenty of water every day: this is the most important thing
- Take the full course of medicine given
- Collect any stone that passes out and show it to the doctor
- Come back if you get fever, or if pain returns
Please read
This page gives general information in simple words. It is not advice for your own case. What is right for you depends on your examination and your reports. Your doctor will explain your options and you decide.
Questions people ask us about this
Can a stone go away with medicine only?
Small stones often pass with plenty of water and medicine. The scan decides. Your doctor will tell you which group your stone falls into.
Will there be a cut on my body?
In the common methods the telescope goes through the natural urine passage, so there is no cut. Some large stones need a different method, which is explained to you first.
Why do stones keep coming back?
Usually because of not drinking enough water. Your doctor will tell you how much you should drink and whether any food should be reduced.
Is a stone dangerous if there is no pain?
It can be. A stone can block the urine pipe quietly and damage the kidney. Follow the review dates even when you feel fine.
Still deciding? That is fine.
Come for a consultation, get examined and take the information home. There is no pressure to fix a date on the first visit.