WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES?

Kidney Stones are the most common urological condition and may form when there is an excess of minerals in the urine. They usually range in size from a grain of sand to the size of a pea. Kidney Stones may pass on their own or remain in the kidney. Due to their irregular shape or size, they may become lodged in the ureters (the tubes running from the kidney to the bladder).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms may include blood in the urine, an intense need to urinate, very sharp pains in the back or groin or the inability to urinate.

HOW ARE THEY DIAGNOSED?

Kidney Stones may be discovered during an X-ray for another condition. If you have blood in your urine or sudden pain in your stomach or back, your Esse Health Urologist may request an Ultrasound or a CT Scan. Both procedures produce a diagnostic image of your kidneys; Ultrasounds use high-frequency sound waves and CT Scans use X-rays. Your doctor will determine which is best for you.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

The treatment for Kidney Stones may be as simple as letting the stone pass on its own. However, if a blockage has occurred, there are options available to remove the Kidney Stones based on their type, size, and location. Procedures include non-invasive Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Ureteroscopy and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Medical management is available to you to aid in the passing of small stones and for the ongoing management of recurrent stones.