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Kidney Stone Treatment Options: What Patients Can Expect at a Urology Office
Kidney stones are a common and often painful condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. When a stone forms, it can cause intense back or abdominal pain, nausea, blood in the urine, or difficulty passing urine. While some stones are small enough to pass on their own, others require medical treatment to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. Knowing what to expect when you visit a urology office can make the process much less stressful. Here’s a clear breakdown of today’s most effective kidney stone treatment options and what patients typically experience during care at Lazare Urology.
Understanding the Type and Size of the Stone
The first step in treating a kidney stone is determining its size, location, and makeup. At a urology office, patients can expect a thorough evaluation that may include:
- Ultrasound imaging
- X-rays (KUB)
- CT scans
- Urinalysis and blood tests
These tools help the urologist understand whether the stone can pass naturally or if intervention is needed. Stones under 4 mm often pass without treatment, while stones larger than 6 mm may require medical assistance.
Conservative Treatment: When Stones Can Pass Naturally
If the stone is small and not causing infection or severe blockage, urologists often recommend conservative management. This may include:
1. Hydration
Drinking plenty of water helps flush the urinary system and may encourage the stone to pass more quickly. Patients are usually advised to drink enough to produce clear or pale-yellow urine.
2. Pain Management
Kidney stone pain can be sharp and intense. Urologists may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or short-term pain relief to make the process more tolerable.
3. Medical Expulsive Therapy
Certain medications—most commonly alpha-blockers like tamsulosin—can relax the ureter, making it easier for the stone to pass. This approach is often used for stones stuck in the lower ureter.
Even with conservative treatment, patients are monitored closely to ensure the stone passes and does not cause complications.
Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL): A Common Non-Invasive Treatment
Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, or ESWL, is one of the most widely used treatments for kidney stones. It’s ideal for stones that are moderately sized and located in the kidney or upper ureter.
How It Works
ESWL uses targeted sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments. These fragments then pass naturally through the urinary tract.
What Patients Can Expect
- The procedure is done outpatient—no overnight stay required.
- Sedation or light anesthesia is typically used for comfort.
- Most people return to normal activities within a day or two.
- Some may experience mild bruising or blood in the urine afterward.
This treatment is non-invasive and effective, making it a popular first-line option.
Ureteroscopy: Direct Stone Removal
When a stone won’t pass or is lodged in a difficult location, ureteroscopy is often recommended. This minimally invasive procedure involves guiding a thin scope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter.
Two Approaches
- Laser Lithotripsy: A laser is used to break the stone into small pieces.
- Stone Retrieval: A small basket device may be used to remove fragments.
What Patients Can Expect
- The procedure is done under anesthesia.
- No incisions are required.
- A temporary stent may be placed to help urine flow and reduce swelling.
- Most patients go home the same day.
Ureteroscopy is highly effective, especially for stones in the lower ureter or for patients who cannot undergo ESWL.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Best for Large or Complex Stones
For large stones—typically those over 2 cm—or stones that are too dense for other treatments, PCNL may be the best option.
How It Works
A small incision is made in the back, allowing the surgeon to insert instruments directly into the kidney to break up and remove the stone.
What Patients Can Expect
- General anesthesia is required.
- A brief hospital stay is usually necessary.
- It provides immediate relief because the stone is removed completely.
PCNL is often used when other treatments may not be effective enough.
Aftercare and Prevention
Once the stone is treated, preventing future stones becomes the next priority. At Lazare Urology, patients receive personalized guidance based on the stone’s composition, lifestyle, and medical history. Prevention may include:
- Increasing daily water intake
- Reducing salt or oxalate-rich foods
- Adjusting calcium levels in the diet
- Taking prescribed medications
Regular follow-up helps ensure long-term kidney health and reduces the chances of recurrence.
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