Common symptoms
- Sudden, severe pain in the side or back that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes in waves
- Blood in the urine (pink, red or brown urine)
- Burning or frequent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever with chills, which needs urgent attention
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidney. They can stay in the kidney or move down the ureter, the tube that carries urine to the bladder. When a stone blocks the flow of urine it can cause intense pain, known as renal colic.
Kidney stones are common in India, and hot weather, low water intake and diet all play a part.
What causes kidney stones?
- Not drinking enough water, especially in hot climates
- A diet high in salt, animal protein or oxalate-rich foods
- A personal or family history of stones
- Obesity, diabetes and some metabolic conditions
- Repeated urinary infections and some medicines
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Your urologist will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Tests usually include:
- Urine tests to look for blood and infection
- Blood tests to check kidney function
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder
- CT scan (CT KUB), the most accurate test for finding the size and position of a stone
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the size, position and number of stones, and on your overall health.
Small stones often pass on their own with fluids, pain relief and medicines that help the ureter relax.
Larger or blocking stones are treated with minimally invasive procedures:
- Ureteroscopy (URS): a thin telescope passed through the urinary passage to reach the stone in the ureter, which is then broken with a laser.
- RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery): a flexible ureteroscope used to reach and laser stones inside the kidney, without any cut.
- PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): for large kidney stones, done through a small keyhole in the back.
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if you have repeated side or back pain, blood in the urine, or a stone found on a scan, even if it is not causing pain right now. A stone that silently blocks the kidney can damage it over time.
Treatments offered
- Watchful waiting and medicines for small stones
- Ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy
- Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
- Stent placement when needed
- Diet and fluid advice to prevent new stones
Frequently asked questions
Can a kidney stone pass on its own?
Many small stones, usually under about 5 mm, pass on their own with plenty of fluids and pain relief, sometimes with a medicine that relaxes the ureter. Larger stones, stones causing infection, or stones blocking the kidney usually need a procedure.
Is laser stone surgery painful?
Laser procedures such as URS and RIRS are done under anaesthesia through the natural urinary passage, with no cut on the skin. Most people have mild discomfort afterwards and go home within a day or two.
How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Drinking enough water to pass about 2.5 litres of urine a day is the most important step. Reducing salt and excess animal protein also helps. Depending on the stone type, your urologist may suggest further tests and specific diet changes.
When should I go to the emergency department?
Go urgently if you have stone pain with fever or chills, cannot pass urine, have uncontrolled pain or vomiting, or have only one working kidney.
This page is general information and not a substitute for a consultation. Every patient is different, and the right treatment depends on an individual assessment.