A urologist will discuss your medical history to better understand your condition. They may perform a physical exam and ask you to undergo certain blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests (X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans) to properly diagnose the size and location of kidney stones. Only CT scan provides the exact size and location of the stone.

You should consult a urologist as soon as you notice the symptoms of kidney stones. Kidney stone treatment depends on its size and location. If the size of the stone is small, you can pass the stone at home by increasing your fluid intake or by taking medication prescribed by the doctor. Avoid salty foods and sodas. However, surgical procedures are the most effective way to remove large kidney stones.

The treatment approach for kidney stones depends on factors such as the severity of the condition, stone size, location, and overall health. For stones under 5mm, non-surgical methods are often recommended, including home remedies, medications, and increased hydration to aid passage. Surgical procedures are advised for stones larger than 5mm. Four common methods are used to treat kidney stones: ✅ Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This traditional procedure uses external shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces for easier passage through urine. It's performed under anesthesia and may require multiple sessions. ✅ Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy (URSL): Effective for medium-sized stones, a thin ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra to locate and break stones using laser energy. The patient may receive local or general anesthesia. ✅ Percutaneous Nephrolithotripsy (PCNL): Large stones are removed through a small incision in the back using a nephroscope to break them into smaller fragments. Local or general anesthesia is used. ✅ Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): This minimally invasive procedure uses a flexible ureteroscope with a laser to remove upper ureter and small kidney stones. The stones are broken into pieces and passed out through urine. Anesthesia is administered, and temporary stents can be inserted to facilitate stone passage. These modern procedures allow for quick recovery, involve minimal incisions, and carry low risk of complications. Hospital stays are typically short.

It is highly unlikely that you will pass 8 mm ureteral stones naturally. The human urethra is about 4-5 mm wide and trying to pass a stone larger than 8 mm can damage the surrounding organs and often cause excruciating pain during the entire process. However, people are at greater risk if they ignore symptoms by prolonging treatment.

No external cuts or incisions (only 1 small cut of 1 cm in PCNL surgery). It is more effective and simpler compared to traditional surgery for kidney stone removal No surgical scars after recovery 1-day hospital stay (resumption of normal life in 1-3 days) Painless procedure Quick and easy recovery Minimal blood loss and postoperative discomfort No risks, complications or side effects

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A kidney stone doctor assesses your condition, recommends suitable treatments, performs procedures, and monitors your progress throughout the treatment process.