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AINU Hospitals (Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology) is a nationally recognized center of excellence in urology and nephrology. As pioneers in precision care, we offer comprehensive, evidence-based kidney stones treatment tailored to each patient’s unique condition. From mild kidney stone symptoms to complex surgical needs, our team ensures prompt relief, long-term prevention, and compassionate care.
Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside your kidneys when urine becomes too concentrated. These stones may vary in size; from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. While smaller stones often pass through urine unnoticed, larger ones may block urinary flow, causing intense kidney stone pain, infection, or even kidney damage if left untreated
Identifying the types of kidney stones is crucial for effective treatment and recurrence prevention. The four major types include:
1. Calcium Oxalate Stones
2. Uric Acid Stones
3. Struvite Stones
4. Cystine Stones
There’s no single cause, but several factors increase your risk. Understanding what causes kidney stones helps in both treatment and long-term prevention.
You might not notice anything until the stone moves. When it does, it can trigger symptoms that are hard to ignore. Common kidney stone symptoms include:
Pain usually begins suddenly and may shift location as the stone moves. If you're experiencing any of these signs, especially intense or prolonged kidney stone pain, prompt medical attention is essential.
Timely diagnosis ensures faster relief and prevents complications. At AINU, we use state-of-the-art imaging and lab diagnostics to accurately detect and analyze stones.
Diagnosis also helps identify underlying conditions contributing to stone formation.
Our goal is to relieve symptoms, eliminate stones, and prevent future recurrences. Depending on the stone’s size, type, location, and patient health, we offer:
1. Medical Management
2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
3. Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy
4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
All procedures at AINU Hospitals are performed by experienced urologists with the aid of advanced laser technology, ensuring faster recovery, minimal discomfort, and high success rates.
After treatment, our team focuses on prevention with a personalized plan. Prevention is especially important for those prone to recurrence.
Kidney Stone Prevention Tips
AINU’s dietitians and urologists work closely to create tailored preventive care plans.
Kidney stones are hard, crystalline mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when certain substances in the urine, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated and crystallize. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger stones that may block the urinary tract and cause discomfort.
Kidney stones form due to a combination of factors including dehydration, high intake of certain minerals (like calcium or oxalate), dietary habits, obesity, certain medical conditions, and genetic predisposition. When urine becomes too concentrated, minerals stick together and form stones. Lack of fluids and specific dietary choices are common causes.
Common symptoms include severe pain in the back or side (often called renal colic), pain during urination, frequent urge to urinate, blood in the urine (hematuria), nausea, vomiting, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Sometimes, small stones may pass without symptoms, but larger stones can cause intense discomfort.
Diagnosis typically involves a detailed medical history and physical examination, followed by imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-rays, or CT scans to locate and measure the stones. Urine and blood tests may also be done to check for infections or underlying causes.
Treatment depends on the stone size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass naturally with increased hydration and pain management. Larger stones or stones causing blockage may require medical procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Passing a kidney stone can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the stone's size and location. Smaller stones (less than 5mm) typically pass within days with proper hydration, while larger stones may require medical intervention.
Some discomfort or pain is common during stone passage or certain treatments. Our hospital uses advanced pain management techniques to minimize discomfort. Procedures like ESWL or ureteroscopy are generally well-tolerated with minimal pain, and recovery times are quick.
Prevention includes drinking plenty of water daily to keep urine diluted, reducing salt and oxalate-rich foods, limiting animal protein, and maintaining a balanced diet. Your doctor may also recommend specific medications if you are prone to recurrent stones.
Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain that doesn't improve with painkillers, blood in urine, fever and chills (which may indicate infection), difficulty urinating, or if you have a history of kidney stones and symptoms return. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications.
