Kidney stones have a reputation for being especially painful, so you’ll need fast treatment if you develop symptoms. Board-certified urologist Micaela Aleman, MD, at Lone Star Urology in Austin, Texas, specializes in diagnosing and treating kidney stones. She uses advanced techniques to break the stones down and extract them. Call Lone Star Urology or schedule a consultation today for prompt, effective kidney stone treatment.
Kidney stones form from mineral deposits — you can get similar stones in other parts of your urinary system, including the bladder and urethra.
Kidney stones typically form if your urine becomes too concentrated. This often happens because of mild chronic dehydration. Concentration encourages salt and other minerals in the urine to form crystals, creating kidney stones.
People often have kidney stones for years without realizing it until the stone moves. It can pass into your ureter (a tube connecting the kidney and bladder), resulting in symptoms such as:
Kidney stones can trigger severe side and back pain that may spread into the lower abdomen and groin. The pain’s location and intensity might change as the stones travel along your length of the ureter — it’s known to be excruciating sometimes and this is know as renal colic.
Passing the stone naturally is ideal, provided it is not too large. Hydration (drinking plenty of fluids) may be all you need to pass a smaller kidney stone. Remember to strain the urine as the stone can be submitted for analysis. Dr. Aleman can also prescribe medication to help pass the kidney stone. In general, her philosophy is that increased activity helps promote stone passage.
You might require surgery if you have an infection or the stone becomes lodged in your urinary tract. Dr. Aleman has expert skills in endourology, a minimally invasive technique for breaking down and removing kidney stones.
Options include:
ESWL breaks up stones in your urinary tract using shockwaves generated by a lithotripter device. The small fragments remaining can pass into your urine and out of your body.
Ureteroscopy involves passing a small lighted tube (ureteroscope) through your urethra and bladder and into the ureter or kidney. Dr. Aleman brakes up the stone with a laser and then uses a basket device to gather the stone framents.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is for larger stones or cases where less-invasive procedures aren’t possible. Dr. Aleman creates a passageway through your back to your kidney, using special instruments to remove stones.
Call Lone Star Urology to arrange a consultation or book an appointment online today for an expert kidney stone evaluation.