Kidney Stones

The kidneys filter waste products from the blood and excrete them in the urine. When theses waste materials don't completely dissolve, they can develop into hardened mineral deposits (kidney stones). SouthWest Urology, Inc. doctors will evaluate your kidney stones symptoms to determine if you have stones in your kidney, ureter or bladder.

Kidney Stones Symptoms

• Pain in the lower back, side or groin.
• Blood in the urine.
• Frequent urination.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Pain, stinging or burning during urination.
• Tenderness in the abdomen or kidney region.
• Urinary tract infection.

SouthWest Urology, Inc. doctor's kidney stones treatments aim to not only make the patient stone-free but also to prevent future recurrence of stones. Kidney stones treatment depends on multiple variables including the size and location of the stone, underlying cause and presence of urinary tract infection. SouthWest Urology, Inc. doctors may recommend the following options to treat kidney stones as well as evaluate you for prevention of future kidney stone formation:

Kidney Stones Treatments offered at SouthWest Urology, Inc. include:

• Dietary changes and medication.
• Shock wave lithotripsy(SWL): Non-invasive procedure to break up stones allowing them to pass through the urinary tract.
• Ureteroscopy: The stone is viewed through a small scope so it can be removed or broken up with a laser.
• Percutaneous renal surgery(PCNL): A process for locating and removing larger stones by gaining access to the kidney through the skin on patients back.