Kidney Stones
- Home
- Kidney Stones
Learn what to expect when visiting the Emergency Department. Learn More
Menu
- Home
- About
- Departments
- All Departments
- Anaesthesia & Pain Management
- Cardiology
- Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgery (CTVS)
- Critical Care
- Dental Surgery
- Dermatology
- Endocrinology
- ENT
- Gastroenterology & Hepatology
- General & Laparoscopic Surgery
- General Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
- Neurology
- Neurosurgery & Spine
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology
- Ophthalmology
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatric Surgery
- Paediatrics & Neonatology
- Pathology & Laboratory
- Psychiatry
- Pulmonology
- Radiology & Imaging
- Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy
- Reproductive Medicine (IVF & Fertility)
- Patient Guide
- Diagnostics
- Diagnostics & Tests
- Angiography
- Biopsy Test
- Blood Tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- CT Scan
- ECG (Electrocardiogram)
- ECHO (Echocardiogram)
- Endoscopy
- Interventional Radiology
- Kidney Function Test (KFT)
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- Mammography
- MRI Scan
- Pulmonary Function Test
- Sleep Study
- Test Preparation Guides
- Thyroid Profile
- Ultrasound / Sonography
- X-Ray
- Health Checkup
- Find a Doctor
- Academics
- September 5, 2026
- 5 MINS READ
Patient Procedures
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard, solid deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They develop when your urine becomes highly concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together or in the case of certain genetic conditions, when you have a high risk of renal calculi formation. Hot climates, such as in much of India, can add to this risk, as greater fluid loss through sweat further concentrates the urine.
 While passing a kidney stone can be one of the most painful experiences imaginable, they usually cause no permanent damage if recognized early and treated promptly by a medical professional.
Signs & Symptoms
A kidney stone often causes no symptoms until it moves around within your kidney or passes into your ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder). When it gets stuck, you may experience:The symptoms of jaundice can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. The most common signs include:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, just below the ribs.
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin area.
- Pain that comes in intense waves and fluctuates in intensity.
- Pain or a severe burning sensation while urinating.
- Urine that appears pink, red, or brown (due to blood).
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Fever and chills (if an infection is present).
Causes & Risk Factors
Kidney stones have no single, definite cause, but several factors drastically increase your risk:
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water is the leading cause of kidney stones.
- Diet: Eating a diet high in protein, sodium (salt), and sugar increases the calcium in your kidneys.
- Obesity: High body mass index (BMI) is linked to an increased risk of stone formation.
- Digestive Diseases: Conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea alter your digestive process, increasing calcium and water absorption issues.
- Family History: If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you are much more likely to develop them.
Diagnosis & Tests
If your doctor suspects a kidney stone, they will order diagnostic tests to determine the size and location of the stone:
- Imaging Tests: A non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard for spotting even tiny stones. Ultrasounds are also commonly used.
- Blood Tests: To reveal if you have too much calcium or uric acid in your blood.
- Urine Testing: A 24-hour urine collection test may show that you are excreting too many stone-forming minerals.
- Stone Analysis: You may be asked to urinate through a strainer to catch passed stones so the lab can analyze their makeup and prevent future ones.
Treatment & Management
Treatment depends on the size of the stone and the severity of the symptoms:
- For Small Stones: You may be able to pass them naturally by drinking 2 to 3 liters of water a day, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and taking alpha-blocker medications to relax the ureter muscles.
- ESWL (Shock Wave Therapy): Uses sound waves to create strong vibrations that break large stones into tiny, passable pieces.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin, lighted tube is passed through the urethra and bladder up to the ureter to snare the stone or break it apart with a laser.
- PCNL Surgery: For very large stones, a surgeon makes a small incision in the back to surgically remove the stone directly from the kidney.
Why Choose St. Stephen's Hospital for Kidney Stones?
Kidney stone pain is excruciating and requires immediate, expert intervention. At St. Stephen’s Hospital, our Department of Urology is equipped with the latest, state-of-the-art laser and shockwave technology to offer entirely minimally invasive stone removal procedures.Â
This means no large incisions, drastically reduced pain, and a much faster recovery. We don’t just treat the stone; we analyze it and provide a comprehensive metabolic and dietary plan to ensure they don’t come back. Book a consultation with our urologists for rapid relief.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. This is a common myth. While beer acts as a diuretic (making you urinate more), alcohol dehydrates the body, which can actually make the stone environment worse and increase the severe pain. Stick strictly to plain water.
Diets excessively high in sodium (salt) and animal proteins (like red meat) are massive contributors. Additionally, if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones, you should avoid foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, beets, and strong black tea. You should also limit salt and carbonated (soft) drinks, which can promote stone formation.
You will be under anesthesia during the procedure, so you will feel no pain. Afterward, modern minimally invasive techniques (like laser ureteroscopy) cause very little postoperative pain, though you may feel some temporary discomfort while urinating for a few days.
Yes, without preventative changes, the recurrence rate for kidney stones is roughly 50% within 5 to 10 years. Staying properly hydrated and making specific dietary changes based on your stone analysis is crucial for prevention.
Finding a comfortable position is difficult. Many patients find relief by sleeping on the side opposite to the pain. You can also try lying on your back with a pillow propped under your knees to take the pressure off your abdomen and back.
Stones that are 4 millimeters (mm) or smaller will pass on their own about 80% of the time. Stones measuring 5mm to 9mm have a much lower chance of passing naturally and often require medication or a surgical procedure.