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Conditions

Urinary health · Urology

Kidney and ureteric stones

Understand stones that form in the kidneys, their passage through the urinary tract and questions to prepare for follow-up.

Editorial publication · Medical review pending.

Understand

A kidney stone is a solid deposit formed in urine. It may remain in the kidney or move into the ureter, the tube leading to the bladder.

Possible symptoms

Possible symptoms include side pain spreading towards the groin, nausea or blood in the urine. These signs can have other causes.

Causes and associated factors

Concentrated urine and certain metabolic disorders favour stone formation. Personal and family history also matter.

Diagnosis

Your doctor reviews your history and symptoms, examines you and uses laboratory tests and imaging to clarify the situation.

Tests

Urine and blood tests may complement imaging. A CT scan can establish a stone’s size and location and whether it obstructs urine flow.

Course of the condition

Some small stones pass on their own; others need treatment. Analysis of a recovered stone and, when appropriate, a urine collection help plan prevention of further stones.

Care options

Care may involve pain relief and monitoring, or a procedure. Shockwave treatment, ureteroscopy and percutaneous removal suit different situations, depending on stone size and location.

When to consult

Seek medical advice for pain that might be a stone. After an episode, discuss appropriate checks and prevention with your doctor.

Urgent help

Severe pain, fever or chills, blood in the urine or inability to urinate: seek medical help without delay.

Questions for your doctor

  • Where is the stone?
  • Could it pass on its own in my situation?
  • How will we check that it has gone?
  • What are the benefits and risks of the proposed option?
  • What follow-up will help prevent another stone?

Continue reading

A procedure linked to a condition does not establish an indication for your individual situation.

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