Kidney Stone Disease: What It Is and How a Urologist Can Help

Kidney Stone Disease: What It Is and How a Urologist Can Help

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form inside the kidneys. Even though they are small, they can cause severe pain and serious problems if not treated. Kidney stone disease is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. Because the kidneys and urinary system are involved, this condition is closely related to urology.

At Lazare Urology, we diagnose and treat kidney stone disease using advanced tools and personalized care plans to help patients find relief and prevent future stones.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when certain minerals and salts build up in the urine. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent crystals from sticking together. But sometimes, when urine becomes too concentrated, crystals can form and grow into stones.

Kidney stones can vary in size. Some are as small as a grain of sand and pass on their own. Others can grow as large as a marble or even bigger, making it very difficult to pass through the urinary tract.

Types of Kidney Stones

There are several types of kidney stones:

• Calcium stones – The most common type, often made of calcium oxalate.
  
• Uric acid stones – More common in people who are dehydrated or eat a high-protein diet.
  
• Struvite stones – Often linked to urinary tract infections.
  
• Cystine stones – Rare and usually caused by a genetic condition.
  

Knowing the type of stone is important because it helps guide prevention and treatment.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones do not always cause symptoms right away. But when a stone moves into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), it can block urine flow. This is when symptoms often begin.

Common symptoms include:

• Severe pain in the back or side
  
• Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen or groin
  
• Nausea and vomiting
  
• Blood in the urine
  
• Frequent or painful urination
  
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  

The pain from a kidney stone is often described as one of the most intense types of pain a person can experience.

Why Kidney Stone Disease Is a Urology Issue

Urology focuses on the urinary tract system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Since kidney stones affect these organs, urologists are specially trained to diagnose and treat this condition.

At Lazare Urology, we use imaging tests such as CT scans or ultrasounds to find the exact size and location of a stone. This allows us to choose the safest and most effective treatment plan.

How Kidney Stones Are Treated

Treatment depends on the size of the stone, its location, and how severe the symptoms are.

1. Small Stones

Small stones often pass on their own. Treatment may include:

• Drinking plenty of water
  
• Pain medication
  
• Medication to relax the ureter and help the stone pass
  

Your urologist may ask you to strain your urine so the stone can be tested after it passes.

2. Larger Stones

If a stone is too large to pass or causes infection or blockage, more advanced treatment may be needed.

Common procedures include:

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Sound waves are used to break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily.

Ureteroscopy
A small scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to remove or break up the stone with a laser.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For very large stones, a small incision is made in the back to remove the stone directly from the kidney.

At Lazare Urology, we carefully review each case to recommend the best option for your specific situation.

Preventing Future Kidney Stones

Kidney stone disease often comes back. In fact, once you’ve had one stone, you are at higher risk of developing another.

Prevention may include:

• Drinking enough water to produce clear or light-yellow urine
  
• Reducing salt intake
  
• Limiting foods high in oxalate (like spinach and nuts)
  
• Moderating animal protein
  
• Taking prescribed medications if needed
  

Sometimes, a 24-hour urine test is done to measure the levels of minerals and other substances. This helps create a personalized prevention plan.

When to See a Urologist

You should see a urologist if you experience:

• Severe or ongoing pain
  
• Fever with urinary symptoms
  
• Blood in your urine
  
• Trouble urinating
  

Ignoring kidney stones can lead to infections, kidney damage, or other serious complications. Early treatment can prevent these problems.

The Role of Ongoing Urologic Care

Kidney stone disease is not just a one-time event for many patients. Ongoing monitoring and preventive care are key to reducing future risk. A urologist does more than remove stones — they help manage the condition long-term.

At Lazare Urology, we focus on both immediate relief and long-term prevention. Our goal is to help patients avoid repeat episodes and maintain healthy kidney function.

Take Kidney Stone Symptoms Seriously

Kidney stones can be painful and disruptive, but effective treatment is available. With proper diagnosis, expert care, and prevention strategies, most patients can successfully manage kidney stone disease.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have a history of stones, a urology evaluation can help protect your health and prevent future problems. Early care makes a difference — and your kidneys will thank you for it.

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