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Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones Treatment at AINU Hospitals

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.

What Are Kidney Stones?

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

Types of Kidney Stones

Identifying the types of kidney stones is crucial for effective treatment and recurrence prevention. The four major types include:

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones

  • Most common type (about 75% of cases)
  • Caused by high levels of calcium or oxalate in urine
  • Triggered by dehydration, high-oxalate diets, and metabolic disorders

2. Uric Acid Stones

  • More common in men
  • Linked to diets rich in red meat, shellfish, and purines
  • Common in people with gout or chronic dehydration

3. Struvite Stones

  • Form in response to urinary tract infections
  • Can grow rapidly and become large ("staghorn" stones)
  • More common in women with recurrent UTIs

4. Cystine Stones

  • Rare, inherited disorder called cystinuria
  • Causes cystine (an amino acid) to leak into urine and form crystals
  • Often form early in life and recur frequently

What Causes Kidney 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.

  • Dehydration – The leading cause. Inadequate water intake concentrates urine and promotes crystal formation.
  • Dietary habits – High intake of sodium, animal proteins, and oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate) increases risk.
  • Genetics – A family history of kidney stones significantly raises your chances.
  • Medical conditions – Including urinary tract infections (UTIs), gout, hyperparathyroidism, and digestive diseases like Crohn’s.
  • Obesity – Alters acid-base balance in urine.
  • Certain medications – Diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and excessive vitamin D supplements.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

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:

  • Severe, cramping pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen; pain that comes in waves and changes intensity
  • Pain during urination (dysuria); a burning or sharp sensation
  • Blood in urine (hematuria); making the urine pink, red, or brown
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Frequent and urgent need to urinate
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fever and chills, especially if there’s an associated infection

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.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

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.

  • Non-contrast CT scan – Gold standard for detecting stones, even as small as 1 mm
  • Ultrasound – Especially useful for pregnant women or follow-up imaging
  • X-rays (KUB) – Helps visualize radiopaque stones
  • Urinalysis – Detects blood, infection, or crystal particles
  • 24-hour urine collection – Assesses stone-forming minerals and guides dietary changes
  • Blood tests – Evaluate kidney function and mineral levels (calcium, uric acid, phosphorus)

Diagnosis also helps identify underlying conditions contributing to stone formation.

Kidney Stones Treatment at AINU Hospitals

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

  • For small stones (<5mm)
  • Includes pain control, hydration, and medications (like alpha-blockers) to facilitate passage

2. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

  • Non-invasive procedure using sound waves to break stones
  • Ideal for medium-sized stones in the kidney or upper ureter

3. Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy

  • Endoscopic removal using a thin scope inserted via the urethra
  • Holmium laser used to fragment stones
  • Suitable for ureteral and kidney stones

4. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

  • Keyhole surgery for large or complex kidney stones
  • Involves making a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone

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.

Prevention of Kidney Stones

After treatment, our team focuses on prevention with a personalized plan. Prevention is especially important for those prone to recurrence.

Kidney Stone Prevention Tips

  • Drink enough water – At least 2.5–3 liters/day to dilute urine
  • Dietary changes:
    • Reduce salt and animal protein
    • Limit oxalate-rich foods (e.g., spinach, nuts)
    • Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods
  • Medication – Depending on stone type (e.g., allopurinol for uric acid stones)
  • Regular follow-ups – Periodic imaging and urine analysis to monitor and prevent recurrence
  • Maintain healthy weight – Obesity and insulin resistance are risk factors

AINU’s dietitians and urologists work closely to create tailored preventive care plans.

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