What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when substances in urine (calcium, oxalate, uric acid, others) crystallise and clump together. They can range from tiny sand-like grains to large stones filling the kidney (staghorn calculus).

Symptoms

  • Severe pain in the back or side, radiating to the lower abdomen or groin (renal colic)
  • Blood in urine (visible or microscopic)
  • Nausea and vomiting during pain episodes
  • Frequent urination
  • Painful urination
  • Fever if infection is present
  • Some stones cause no symptoms until they move

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Low fluid intake
  • Diet high in oxalate, sodium, or animal protein
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Certain medical conditions (gout, hyperparathyroidism, IBD)
  • Some medications
  • Hot climate with dehydration

When to Seek Care

  • Severe flank pain
  • Blood in urine
  • Fever with kidney stone symptoms
  • Vomiting preventing fluid intake
  • Any inability to pass urine

Emergency: severe pain with fever or reduced urine output requires immediate care.

Diagnosis

  • Clinical assessment
  • Urine analysis
  • Ultrasound
  • CT scan of the kidneys and urinary tract (definitive)
  • Blood tests

Treatment

Conservative Management (First-Line for Most Patients)

The majority of renal calculi cases at Shri Manmukund Hospital are managed successfully without surgery. We prioritise conservative treatment where clinically appropriate.

  • Increased fluid intake (2 to 3 litres daily minimum)
  • Pain medication during acute episodes
  • Alpha-blocker medication to facilitate stone passage
  • Dietary correction based on stone composition
  • Regular monitoring to track stone passage or growth

Interventional Treatment (For Select Cases Only)

When surgery is required (typically for larger stones, obstruction, recurrent infection, or failed conservative management), we coordinate referral to a trusted urosurgeon for procedures such as:

  • ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy)
  • Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
  • Open surgery (rarely, for very large complex stones)

We do not perform these procedures ourselves; we ensure you reach a qualified urology specialist for definitive treatment when it is needed.

Ayurvedic Support

For select cases, Ayurvedic and Panchakarma approaches may complement modern management, particularly for prevention of recurrence.

Recurrence Prevention

  • Adequate hydration (2 to 3 litres daily minimum)
  • Dietary modification based on stone type
  • Managing underlying conditions
  • Regular follow-up