Overview

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can affect any part of your urinary tract and can be extremely painful to pass.

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
  • Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
  • Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
  • Pink, red, or brown urine

Causes

Stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — than the fluid in your urine can dilute.

Treatment

Non-Invasive

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break stones into tiny pieces.

Minimally Invasive

Laser Lithotripsy (ureteroscopy) or PCNL (for large stones) are used to remove stones surgically.