Kidney and Ureteric Stones
Harley Street, London
Kidney stones form when certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated and crystallize over time. These crystals can grow in size, similar to stalactites or stalagmites in a cave, eventually forming kidney stones.
Kidney stones can manifest with a range of symptoms, depending on their size and location within the urinary tract. Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side (loin), often described as sharp and colicky in nature. This pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin as the stone moves down the ureter towards the bladder. Additionally, individuals with kidney stones may experience blood in the urine, known as haematuria, which can be visible to the naked eye or detected through microscopic analysis. Some patients may also report urinary urgency, frequent urination, and discomfort during urination, especially when the stone irritates the lining of the urinary tract.
Ureteric stones, which are kidney stones that have migrated into the ureter, can cause a distinct set of symptoms. Ureteric stones often lead to intense and sudden pain known as ureteric colic, characterised by waves of severe discomfort that may radiate from the back or side to the lower abdomen and genital area. This excruciating pain is typically accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a constant urge to urinate even when little to no urine is passed. Individuals with ureteric stones may also experience urinary tract infections due to the obstruction caused by the stone, leading to symptoms such as fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Treatment
If you suspect you have ureteric stones, it is crucial to seek urgent medical attention. Following review, Mr. Nicholas Raison may recommend urgent imaging tests in the form of a CT scan to assess the size and location of the stone in addition to blood and urine tests. Treatment options for ureteric stones depend on the size and position of the stone(s). They include medications for pain relief, hydration to help pass the stone naturally, or procedures such as ureteroscopy or shockwave lithotripsy to break up the stone
Treatment options for kidney stones vary depending on the size, location, and composition of the stones, as well as the severity of symptoms experienced by the patient. In cases where the stones are small, a watchful waiting approach may be recommended. For larger stones or those causing significant pain and obstruction, minimally invasive procedures such as extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) or ureteroscopy may be utilised to break up the stones into smaller fragments that can be passed more easily. Surgical interventions like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be necessary for larger stones or those that are difficult to treat with less invasive methods. The choice of treatment is individualised based on the patient’s overall health and stone characteristics. Mr. Nicholas Raison is experienced in managing renal and ureteric stones and will guide patients through the most suitable treatment options tailored to their specific needs.
Mr Raison is available for private urology consultations, treatments, and surgical procedures at The London Clinic, Harley Street.