Kidney stones

Common symptoms

• Sudden, severe pain in the side or back that can spread to the lower abdomen or groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood in the urine
• Needing to urinate often, or pain when urinating

Many stones cause no symptoms and are found on scans done for other reasons.

How we assess it

• Urine and blood tests, including kidney function
• Imaging, such as a CT scan, ultrasound or X-ray, to show the size and position of the stone
• Analysis of any stone you pass, which helps guide prevention
• For repeated stones, a 24-hour urine collection to look for causes

Treatment options

Waiting for the stone to pass

Many small stones pass within a few weeks with pain medication, plenty of fluids and sometimes a medication that relaxes the ureter, the tube between the kidney and bladder.

Ureteral stent

A soft plastic tube placed between the kidney and bladder to relieve a blockage, often as a temporary measure.

Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy

A thin telescope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone, which is broken up with a laser and removed. There are no incisions.

Bladder stones

Stones in the bladder can be broken up and removed through a telescope (cystolitholapaxy).

Preventing stones

• Drink plenty of fluid through the day. For most people with stones, the goal is to pass at least 2.5 litres of urine a day.
• Limit salt and processed foods.
• Keep a normal amount of calcium in your diet. Cutting calcium can increase the risk of some stones.
• Your urologist may give you specific advice based on your type of stone.