KIDNEY, URETHRAL & BLADDER STONES

We live in Kidney Stone zone, which affects over Deposits form and hardens in the kidneys, these small stones can cause not only severe pain, but result in lasting health problems if not treated.

SYMPTOMS

  • Abdominal & Kidney Swelling

    Inflammation and swelling surrounding the kidneys near the lower back on both sides of the body, or swelling near the groin may also be symptoms of kidney stones.

  • Blood in Urine

    Pink, red, or brown urine is a symptom that you've developed kidney stones which have grown and are starting to block the urethra. This can lead to tinges of blood in your urine (known as hematuria). It's important to consult a top Los Angeles urologist if you notice blood in your urine.

  • Fever/Chills

    Kidney stones untreated, can typically develop a urinary tract infection, which brings about fever and/or chills.


  • Frequent & Painful Urination

    Urination is also frequently accompanied by pain, which will occur if the kidney stone is moving from the bladder into the urethra.

  • Inability to Sit

    Should kidney stones continue to grow large enough, you will find sitting or even laying down terribly uncomfortable, due to pressure put on the body.

  • Nausea and/or Vomiting

    Vomiting from severe pain is also not uncommon. Nausea and vomiting can also occur when a kidney stone is disrupting the kidneys' ability to filter toxins and dispose of waste.

  • Spreading Lower Back, Side or Groin Pain

    Pain particularly in the side and back, just below the ribs where the kidneys sit is a common symptom that you have kidney stones. The pain may also spread from the lower abdomen to your groin and into your back.

TREATMENTS

 If you are passing a stone, your doctor will see you frequently to monitor its movement through your urinary tract. Larger stones (bigger than 6 millimeters) or stones that don’t pass naturally after four weeks can be broken up in several different ways.

Cystolitholapaxy: 

 An instrument called a cystoscope is inserted into the bladder to locate the bladder stone or stones.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): 

Shockwaves are used to break up stones from outside the body – making them smaller and easier to pass through.

Ureteroscopy

A small camera goes into the kidneys to find the stone. The camera is placed through natural openings so no incisions are made.

 A laser breaks the stone into small pieces that are then removed.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL):

Minimally-invasive surgical technique used to locate the stone, break it up and suction out the fragments. This works best for bigger stones.