Kidney stones cause severe pain. Dr. Sabharwal can treat your existing kidney stones and help you take steps to prevent the development of additional stones. To learn more about kidney stones, or to schedule an examination, call our office.
CAUSES OF KIDNEY STONES
- Dehydration
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Metabolic disorders
- Family history
Treatment Options
Medications
If you’re in discomfort, you can manage your symptoms while you wait for the stone to exit. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. You might also need a drug to ease nausea. Prescription drugs can help pass the stone.
Calcium channel blockers and Alpha blockers: These relax your ureter, and help the stone move more quickly. Potassium citrate or sodium citrate: If your stone is made from uric acid, the doctor might give you one of these solutions to dissolve it.
Surgery
Sometimes, a stone is too big come out by itself. Your doctor may have to break it up or remove it.
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). This is the most common treatment in the U.S. It works best for small or medium stones.
Ureteroscopy. Doctor inserts a thin, flexible scope through your ureter. If the stone is small, she can use a basket to remove it. If the stone is larger, a laser passed through the scope can break it up.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
These procedures are an option if your stone is large or if other procedures fail to break them down enough. Your doctor uses a thin tube to reach the stone and them removes (nephrolithotomy) or breaks (nephrolithotripsy) it. You will be given drugs so you won’t be awake or feel pain. You’ll likely have to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days.