Urinary stones form when minerals in urine crystallise and clump together. Most small stones pass with fluids and medication; larger or obstructing stones need a procedure. Every stone is planned individually after imaging, so the least invasive option that can clear the stone completely is chosen first.
Procedures we perform
- Kidney Stones
- Ureteric Stones
- Bladder Stones
- PCNL
- Mini PCNL
- RIRS
- URSL
- ESWL
- Laser Stone Surgery
Symptoms that need review
- Severe pain from the loin radiating to the groin
- Blood in urine or smoky-coloured urine
- Nausea and vomiting during pain episodes
- Burning urination or a repeated urge to pass urine
- Fever with chills when infection is present
Common causes
- Low daily water intake and hot climate
- High salt, high animal protein or high oxalate diet
- Family history of stone disease
- Recurrent urinary infections
- Metabolic conditions such as high uric acid or hyperparathyroidism
How we diagnose
- Ultrasound of kidney, ureter and bladder
- Non-contrast CT (NCCT KUB) for exact size and location
- Urine routine and culture
- Blood tests for kidney function, calcium and uric acid
- Stone analysis after clearance to prevent recurrence
Treatment options
Medical expulsive therapy
Fluids and medication to help small ureteric stones pass naturally.
RIRS (flexible ureteroscopy)
Scope passed through the natural urinary passage, stone dusted with laser. No cut on the body.
URSL
Laser fragmentation of ureteric stones through a fine telescope.
PCNL / Mini PCNL
Keyhole tract into the kidney for large or staghorn stones; mini-tract reduces bleeding and pain.
ESWL
Shockwaves from outside the body break selected small kidney stones.
Metabolic prevention
Diet plan and medication based on stone composition to reduce recurrence.
Recovery
Most laser procedures are day-care or one-night stay. A temporary DJ stent may be kept for one to three weeks. Normal desk work usually resumes in two to five days; heavy lifting after two weeks.
Frequently asked
Information on this website is for patient education only and does not replace an in-person consultation. Treatment results vary between individuals and no outcome is guaranteed.