Kidney stones are hard deposits that form from minerals and other substances present in urine. Some stones remain small enough to pass through the urinary tract naturally, while others can become lodged in the ureter, interfere with urine flow, or cause significant pain and complications.
For people looking for a Renal specialist in Pune, Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar provides evaluation and management of kidney-related conditions, including kidney stones. Treatment is planned according to the individual patient’s symptoms, stone characteristics, kidney function, medical history, and other relevant clinical factors.
What Are Kidney Stones?
The kidneys continuously filter the blood and produce urine. Under certain conditions, substances in urine can become concentrated and form crystals. Over time, these crystals may grow into stones.
There are different types of kidney stones, including calcium stones, uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones. Identifying the type of stone can sometimes help doctors understand why stones are developing and guide measures intended to reduce recurrence.
Having a kidney stone does not automatically mean surgery will be required. The appropriate approach depends on several factors.
What Symptoms Can Kidney Stones Cause?
A stone located inside the kidney may sometimes produce few or no symptoms. Problems often become more noticeable when a stone moves into the ureter, the tube carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Symptoms may include severe pain in the side or back, pain that travels toward the lower abdomen or groin, nausea, vomiting, urinary urgency, pain while passing urine, or blood in the urine.
The intensity of pain does not always indicate the exact size of a stone. Therefore, appropriate evaluation and imaging can be important for understanding its location and determining whether it is causing an obstruction.
How Is a Kidney Stone Evaluated?
Evaluation generally begins with the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Depending on the clinical situation, doctors may recommend urine tests, blood tests, and imaging investigations.
Imaging can help determine the number, size, and location of stones and whether urine flow from the kidney is obstructed. Blood tests may also provide information about kidney function and substances associated with stone formation.
These findings help the treating specialist determine whether the stone can be monitored, is likely to pass, or requires an intervention.
Can Kidney Stones Be Treated With Medication?
Some small stones may pass without a surgical procedure. In appropriate cases, treatment may include pain management, hydration advice, and medicines that may facilitate stone passage.
However, simply drinking excessive amounts of water is not an appropriate solution for every situation, particularly if a stone is causing significant obstruction or the patient is experiencing severe symptoms.
Medication also does not dissolve every type of kidney stone. Certain uric acid stones, for example, may sometimes be managed with medicines that alter urine chemistry, whereas many calcium-based stones cannot simply be dissolved with tablets.
This is why treatment should be based on the type and clinical characteristics of the stone rather than general remedies.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL/ESWL) is a non-invasive treatment used for selected kidney or ureteric stones. Shock waves generated outside the body are focused on the stone to break it into smaller fragments, which can then pass through the urinary tract.
Not every stone is suitable for this technique. Stone size, location, composition, body anatomy, and other clinical considerations can influence whether lithotripsy is appropriate.
Ureteroscopy
Ureteroscopy (URS) is another commonly used procedure for urinary stones. A thin instrument is passed through the natural urinary passage into the ureter and, when necessary, toward the kidney.
The stone may be removed directly or fragmented into smaller pieces, often with laser energy. Because ureteroscopy is performed through the urinary tract, it generally does not require an external surgical incision.
The suitability of the procedure depends on the individual case.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Larger or more complex kidney stones may require percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). During this procedure, the kidney is accessed through a small tract created through the back, allowing the surgeon to fragment and remove the stone.
PCNL may be considered for certain large stones, including some complex or branching stones. As with other procedures, the decision is made after considering imaging findings, stone characteristics, overall health, and potential benefits and risks.
When Does a Kidney Stone Need Urgent Attention?
Not every kidney stone is an emergency, but some situations should not be ignored.
Seek prompt medical care if stone symptoms are accompanied by fever or chills, severe or uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty passing urine, or significant weakness. A urinary infection occurring together with an obstructed kidney can require urgent medical treatment.
People with a single functioning kidney or known kidney disease may also require closer assessment when stone-related symptoms occur.
Can Kidney Stones Come Back?
Unfortunately, kidney stones can recur. Preventive strategies are therefore an important part of long-term kidney health.
Adequate fluid intake is commonly recommended, but prevention should ideally be personalised. Depending on the stone type and test results, dietary recommendations may involve changes in sodium intake, calcium intake, animal protein, or foods containing high amounts of oxalate.
Patients with recurrent stones may sometimes require additional blood tests, urine analysis, stone analysis, or a 24-hour urine evaluation to identify factors contributing to repeated stone formation.
Kidney Stone Care With Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar
Kidney stone treatment has several options, ranging from conservative management and medication to minimally invasive procedures. The important point is that treatment should match the individual stone rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.
The Google Business Profile Dr. Sandeep Morkhandikar provides information for patients seeking consultation for kidney stones, renal care, kidney function concerns, and other kidney-related conditions in Pune.
If you experience recurrent stone episodes or persistent urinary symptoms, medical evaluation can help identify the underlying problem and determine an appropriate management plan.
This article is for general educational purposes and does not replace individual medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.