Everything you need to know about Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones or commonly known as renal calculi, are hard masses of salts and minerals that get accumulated in the kidneys, bladder, and pelvic ureteric junction. Kidney stones are mostly made up of calcium, oxalate, phosphate, cystine (rare), and xanthine (rare). While kidney stones are more common in middle-aged men, they can occur to anyone at any age.

Kidney stones vary in shape and size. The size of kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand to as big as a golf ball. While most kidney stones usually pass on their own naturally within a few days to a few weeks, some stones can be stubborn and cause extreme pain. In extreme cases, you may require surgical intervention for kidney stone removal.

Delaying kidney stone treatment can impact surrounding tissues and even obstruct the ureteral passage causing immense pain around the abdomen. Get a free appointment with our urologists near you for your kidney stone treatment.

How are Kidney Stones formed?

Kidney stones form as a result of low fluid concentration in the urine, which increases the amount of toxic waste. Our kidneys filter the toxic waste from the body and flush it out through urine. However, when the concentration of toxic waste in the urine increases, it lumps with each other to form kidney stones.

Kidney stones may also form due to excessive amounts of certain salts and minerals. Calcium stones are one of the most common types of stones that contribute to about 80% of all kidney stone cases. A diet rich in calcium or oxalate is absorbed by the kidneys, which increases the amount of calcium oxalate in the urine. Apart from that, kidney stones are also caused by frequent urinary tract infections (UTI), increased amounts of uric acid in the body due to high animal protein intake, and certain lifestyle habits.

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Types of Kidney Stones

1. Calcium stones
2. Struvite stones
3. Cystine stones
4. Uric acid stones

Causes of Kidney Stones

• Low fluid intake (Dehydration)

• Consuming high calcium supplements

• High animal protein diet

• Excess salt consumption

• Family history

• Chronic diarrhea

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Stinging sharp pain in the lower back or side (flank)

• Nausea and vomiting due to severe pain that makes you physically sick

• Pain and fiery feeling while you try to pass urine 

• Foul-smelling urine that looks murky

• Fevers and chills in case of infection due to kidney stones

• Blood in urine due to minor injuries in the urinary tract due to kidney stone

Severity of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones cause excruciating pain that becomes unbearable for most patients. Kidney stones usually block the ureteral passage causing urinary retention, a complication that may cause hydronephrosis (swelling up of one or both the kidneys due to build-up of urine) and even result in kidney failure.

Kidney stones can be silent which means they can go unnoticed for a long time. Therefore, prolonging kidney stone removal surgery can increase the severity of the disease and increase the risk of complications.

Risks & Complications Related To Kidney Stones

Complications Related To Kidney Stones

Kidney stone removal surgery is one of the safe and effective procedures that to get immediate relief from pain and discomfort. However, in rare cases, due to existing medical condition or co-morbidities in patients, there is a slight risk of complications. Apart from pain, vomiting, blood in the urine,  etc. kidney stone removal surgery  can lead to the following complications –

• Severe infections including Septicaemia (blood poisoning) which is life-threatening and may require a blood transfusion.
• Sometimes, kidney stone surgery can also cause scarring and damage to the kidneys which can result in permanent renal failure.
• Some patients with co-morbidities and existing medical conditions result in the loss of kidney functioning and often require removal of kidneys (nephrectomy).
• When large kidney stones manage to pass into the bladder but get stuck in the urethra, it leads to bladder blockage. This may result in a painful urinary retention.

What if Stones are Not Treated?

Kidney stones can be silent and do not cause any pain or discomfort. Such stones may grow in size if left untreated and can increase the chances of complications. Therefore, it is important to seek medical assistance for kidney stone treatment to reduce the chances of complications. Possible complications of kidney stones if left untreated are-

• Hydronephrosis – It refers to the swelling up of the kidney due to the building up of urine when it fails to drain from the kidneys.
• Renal scarring and damage to the kidneys result in kidney failure.
• Severe infections in the blood can cause septicemia, which can be fatal.
• Loss of kidney functioning can result in kidney removal or nephrectomy.
• When the stone is stuck in the ureter and obstructs the urinary passage, it can result in bladder blockage and, in some cases, painful urinary retention.

Complications After Kidney Stone Surgery

Most patients  with pain and discomfort often benefit from kidney stone removal surgery. However, due to any existing medical condition, co-morbidities, inexperience of the surgeon, etc. there is a possibility of risks and complications during the procedure. Some rare complications after kidney stone surgery  include the following –

Risks of ESWL surgery – 

• Infection
• Bleeding in or around the kidneys
• Injury to the internal organs due to repeated treatment.

Risks of URSL surgery – 

• Ureteral injury due to stent insertion
• Infection during the procedure
• Failure to remove all stone fragments
• Failure to keep the stent in place for a prolonged time

Risks of RIRS surgery – 

• Allergies due to stents
• Failure to remove stones completely
• Injury in the ureter due to stent insertion
• Failure to keep the stent in one place for the desired time

Risks of PCNL surgery – 

• Infection
• Injury to the surrounding organs and tissues.
• Unable to break and remove all the stones completely
• Blood loss, which may require a blood transfusion.

Doctors at Pristyn Care have an average experience of  more than 15 years with an excellent track record. Our kidney stone doctors provide diet charts, post-surgery recovery tips, and suggestions to minimize the chances of complications after the surgery.

How can you prevent Kidney Stones?

Prevention against kidney stones mostly involves dietary restrictions, lifestyle changes, and staying hydrated. However, certain preventive measures act differently for patients and so, it is important to consult your specialist doctor on how to prevent kidney stones.

Kidney stone prevention mostly aims to reduce certain risk factors that can increase the risk of kidney stones such as obesity, dehydration, etc. The urologist may also recommend certain preventive measures based on the composition of the stone to avoid recurrence in the future. This can help the urologist suggest specific preventive measures to avoid the recurrence of stones. Some of the measures that help in preventing kidney stones include the following –

• Having plenty of water (7-8 glasses) and nourishing fluids like coconut water, fresh fruit juice, etc
• Consuming less salt in a regular diet
• Avoid calcium-rich supplements and prefer natural sources of calcium
• Cut down or eliminate animal protein from your diet

Common myths and facts about kidney stones

Myth 1: Kidney stones are found only in older adults
Fact: Kidney stones are a common urological problem that can affect people across any age group, be it children or adults. But yes, lifestyle and dietary choices play a great role. 

Myth 2: Milk can cause kidney stones.
Fact: Milk and dairy products are a great source of calcium, which binds to oxalates in the intestines and prevents stones. But, consuming excess calcium supplements can increase the risk of kidney stones.

Myth 3: All kidney stones develop due to not drinking enough water
Fact: While dehydration is a major cause, factors like high salt intake, excess animal protein, obesity, genetic predisposition, and urinary infections also contribute to stone formation.

Myth 4: Once you get kidney stones, you can’t get rid of them completely
Fact: With the medical treatment, healthy lifestyle changes, right lifestyle changes, and proper hydration, it is possible to avoid recurrence of nephrolithiasis.

Myth 5: All kidney stones cause extreme pain
Fact: This is not always true. Some are silent kidney stones and are mostly identified while imaging for other conditions. Pain kicks in when the stone blocks urine flow.

Myth 6: Surgery is the only permanent cure for kidney stones
Fact: Not all stones need surgical treatment. Smaller stones (less than 4 mm) may pass naturally with medications, hydration, and dietary changes. It is easier to pass the granules of such small kidney stones in the toilet. Urologists recommend surgery for large, stubborn, or painful stones.

When to visit a kidney stone specialist?

Consult a urologist if your pain is unbearable and you cannot find a comfortable position to rest. Sometimes pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills. You must also seek immediate medical assistance if you see blood in your urine or experience extreme difficulty while passing the urine.

Questions to Ask Your Kidney Stone Doctor

• Will I need medication to treat my condition?
• What are the chances of recurrence of kidney stones?
• I am currently suffering from a (health condition). How can I best manage them together?
• How often do I need a follow-up visit?

Non-surgical ways to get rid of kidney stones

For small kidney stones (less than 4 mm) with mild symptoms

1. Medications for Kidney Stone

• Relieve pain – over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, or acetaminophen help manage pain during stone movement. 
• Relax ureter muscles – alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin make it easier for stones to pass by relaxing the muscles in the urinary tract. 

These medications don’t dissolve the stone but make the passage smoother and less painful.

2. Natural remedies for kidney stones

Many people want to know how to pass kidney stones naturally. While not a cure, the following home-based methods can support the process:

• Drink 2–3 liters of water daily – to boost urine flow and help flush the stone. 
• Add lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to your water – rich in citrate, which may help break down smaller stones. 
• Coconut water – may support hydration and act as a natural diuretic.

Avoid sugary drinks, excessive salt, and caffeine as they may contribute to stone formation.

3. Dietary Changes that prevent Kidney Stones

Kidney stones often form due to high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine. Making diet changes can prevent new stones and help manage current ones.

What to limit:

• Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, beetroot, nuts, chocolates) 
• Animal protein (red meat, eggs, seafood) 
• High-sodium foods 
• Vitamin C supplements (above 1000 mg/day) 

What to include:

• Citrus fruits (lemon, oranges) 
• Natural calcium from food sources 
• Whole grains and plant-based proteins 

If you have a history of kidney stone, ask for a personalized kidney stone diet plan from your doctor. 

4. Acupuncture as an Alternative Therapy

While not mainstream, acupuncture is sometimes used to relieve kidney stone symptoms. It may help:

• Promote urination through targeted stimulation 
• Reduce muscular tension in the urinary tract 

Consider this alternative therapy only when you have consulted a kidney specialist.

If the stone is larger than 5–6 mm, causing severe pain, blocking urine flow, or not responding to medications, you’ll likely need a surgical kidney stone removal procedure.

Surgical ways to get rid of large kidney stones that have symptoms

For large or stubborn stones with moderate to severe symptoms

When a stone becomes too big or gets stuck in your urinary tract, waiting it out is not a safe option. Urologists often recommend surgery to remove kidney stones quickly and safely.

1. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

• Best for: Stones up to 14–15 mm 
• How it works: High-energy sound waves break the stone into small fragments that pass through urine 
• Non-invasive and no incisions 

2. Ureteroscopy (URSL)

• Best for: Stones stuck in ureter or near bladder 
• A thin tube (ureteroscope) is inserted via the urethra to locate and remove or break the stone with a laser 
• No cuts, minimal recovery time 

3. Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS)

• Best for: Stones in the kidney up to 15 mm 
• Uses a flexible scope to break the stone inside the kidney using laser energy 
• Fragments are flushed out naturally 

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

• Best for: Large kidney stones (more than 15 mm) or complex/multiple stones 
• A small incision is made in the back to remove the stone directly from the kidney 

High success rate with faster stone clearance