Urinary tract stones are common, and are not only responsible for renal colic but are also among the most readily treatable and reversible causes of kidney damage. Renal colic is the worst pain a patient can experience - “far worse than childbirth” is a common comment from female patients.
Treatment was once entirely surgical; now it is by a combination of the most sophisticated technology available to patients:
focussed shockwave treatment, performed under sedation as a day case, using X-ray or ultrasound guidance breaks the stone into tiny fragments which are then passed naturally.
introducing a telescope through a "keyhole" incision in the loin to enter the kidney and remove the stones
Percutaneous ultrasonic stone fragmentation
(video courtesy of Mr OJ Wiseman)
passing a long, thin telescope through the bladder and up the ureter to remove stones which have passed into the ureter to cause obstruction
Ureteroscopy showing guidewire, stones & polyps
(video courtesy of Mr KN Bullock)
Click here to see more detailed information on the symptoms, assessment & treatment of kidney stones.
STONE DISEASE PATIENT ADVISORY GROUP
Click here for further information about the support group for patients with urinary stones or here for frequently-asked questions about stones from patients, carers & relatives.
