Medical content review by Dr. Md. Nasir Uddin in progress.
Stones in the kidney, ureter or bladder can cause severe pain, infection and, if left, kidney damage. Most stones today are treated endoscopically — through the urinary passage or a small keyhole — with a laser or pneumatic device to break them.
Symptom checklist
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Ask for an appointment on WhatsAppConditions treated
- Kidney stones (renal calculi)
- Ureteric stones
- Bladder stones
- Recurrent stone formation
- Stone with infection or blocked kidney (hydronephrosis)
Treatment options
Medical expulsive therapy
Small stones often pass on their own with medicines, fluids and follow-up imaging.
URS with laser lithotripsy
A thin telescope passed through the urinary passage reaches a ureteric stone, which is broken and removed. No skin cut.
RIRS (flexible ureteroscopy)
A flexible scope reaches stones inside the kidney through the natural passage; a laser breaks them into dust or fragments.
PCNL / mini-PCNL
For large kidney stones: a small keyhole in the back gives direct access to the kidney to break and remove the stone.
ESWL (shock-wave lithotripsy)
Shock waves from outside the body break selected stones, without surgery or anaesthesia in many cases.
Cystolithotripsy
Bladder stones are broken and removed through the urinary passage.
The right option depends on your examination and tests; not every option suits every patient.
Before & after care
Before treatment
- Bring all previous ultrasound, X-ray and CT reports and films
- Bring a recent urine test and kidney-function report (creatinine) if you have them
- Tell the doctor about blood thinners, diabetes and any allergies
- Do not eat or drink from midnight before an endoscopic procedure unless told otherwise
After treatment
- Drink enough water to keep urine pale — usually 2.5–3 litres a day unless advised otherwise
- A temporary DJ stent may be placed; keep the removal date given to you — a forgotten stent can cause serious problems
- Mild burning or pink urine for a few days is common
- Have the stone analysed and follow the diet advice given to reduce recurrence
- Attend the follow-up scan
Seek urgent care if
- Fever or shivering with flank pain
- Pain not controlled by the prescribed medicine
- No urine passed for several hours
- Heavy bleeding or clots in the urine
Go to the nearest emergency department, or call 01337-443602.
Questions about kidney stones & endourology
Do all kidney stones need an operation?
No. Many stones smaller than about 5 mm pass on their own with medicines, fluids and follow-up. Larger stones, stones that block the kidney, or stones with infection or uncontrolled pain usually need removal.
Is laser stone surgery done without a cut?
URS and RIRS reach the stone through the natural urinary passage, so there is no skin cut. Large kidney stones may need mini-PCNL through a small keyhole in the back.
How can I prevent stones coming back?
Drink enough water to keep the urine pale, limit salt, and follow diet advice based on your stone analysis. Some patients need tests and medicines to prevent recurrence.