Kidney stones can be painful, uncomfortable, and problematic even though they are frequently harmless. You’ll probably experience pain along with other symptoms when this occurs (see Mr Syed’s article Kidney stones: what are they and what are the symptoms?). You’ll need medical assistance to confirm a diagnosis and, if required, receive non-surgical or surgical treatment. You can find out what to anticipate from Mr Haider Syed, a consultant urologist and expert in diagnosing, treating, and removing kidney stones.
What tests should patients anticipate?
If you need to be tested because of kidney stone symptoms, your examination will probably involve at least one or more of the following:
Tomography using a computer (CT scan)
One of the best tools for identifying kidney stones is a CT scan. We can determine the number of kidney stones you have, their sizes, and the degree of obstruction they are causing with a CT scan. A small amount of radiation is used during the scan, but most patients are safe from it.
With all of this information, we can determine the best course of action for treating your kidney stone and plan further management of your condition.(s).
ultrasound test
Similar to a CT scan, an ultrasound scan can find kidney stones. An ultrasound, however, might miss some smaller kidney or ureter stones.
Ultrasound has the advantage of not exposing patients to radiation, making it safe for young children, pregnant women, and young adults.
Simple X-Ray (KUB)
A plain X-ray is a simple imaging method that aids in locating the kidney stone and monitor the patient’s recovery after treatment.
Blood and urine tests
You might need baseline urine tests to rule out any infections before you can get a diagnosis. A blood test for urea, electrolytes, and calcium and uric acid may also be necessary to determine your kidney function. (the substances that can cause a kidney stone). Your white cell count can be checked through a blood test; if it is elevated, an infection is present.
When should you seek medical attention?
Go to the nearest accident and emergency department as soon as you can if you suddenly experience severe flank pain that radiates to the back, along with nausea, vomiting, and a high body temperature.
Following an evaluation, you’ll receive an injection, tablet, or rectal suppository to relieve your pain. In order to rule out obstructions brought on by the kidney stones, you will then go through the previously mentioned tests: a urine test, blood test, and imaging tests.
What kind of care is provided for small stones?
If the stone is 4mm or smaller and both your urine and blood test results are normal, it should be able to pass naturally through urine. Treatment in these situations focuses primarily on pain relief and is conservative (non-surgical). Oral painkillers may be prescribed for you to take at home, and a clinic follow-up appointment may be planned to see if your condition has improved.
What kind of care is provided for large stones?
You will be admitted to the hospital if the stone is larger than 5 mm and has caused an obstruction of your kidney. You will either be scheduled for an elective procedure or the obstruction will be treated urgently, depending on your condition.
Lithotripsy is used to break up the majority of small kidney stones. (shock wave therapy). To learn more about lithotripsy, including the initial consultation, the procedure, aftercare, and follow-up checks, read Mr. Syed’s in-depth explanation.
However, smaller and larger stones require alternative treatments like keyhole surgery or telescopes inserted through the bladder. A ureteroscope, a cystoscopy, or laser surgery might be suggested to you.
Which therapy works the best?
You’ll need individualised advice from your urologist to know which procedure is best for you. The best procedure for you is decided based on the size of your stone, its location, and the structure of your kidney.
Urological Surgeon
Mr Haider Syed, Senior Consultant Urological Surgeon Working at Spire Little Aston Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham, since 2005.
Graduated as a doctor in 1984 and have worked in the NHS for over 30 years. I started my Urology career in 1991 and completed training at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospital, Oxford, in 2000.
