“When we consume vastly more protein than we need, our kidneys struggle to process it, resulting in protein in the urine. Too much protein from meat may also contribute to kidney stones. ”
— Bee Wilson
Kidney stones
What are the Symptoms of kidney stones?
Silent stones
Kidney stones sometimes come to light during scans for other conditions and remain without any symptoms.
Pain and bleeding
Stones in the kidney can give intermittent pain and you may notice blood in the urine as well. This can follow physical exertion, jogging etc. If the stone migrates into the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney into the bladder) it can cause excruciating pain radiating from loin to the groin and sometimes into the testicle in men. It is considered one of the severe pains people can experience.
What causes kidney stones?
The commonest cause of kidney stones is insufficient fluid intake. We do need at least 2 L of fluid in 24 hours to the youth the waste products that are filtered into the urine. Sometimes there may be other reasons like high calcium levels, high uric acid levels (gout).How are they diagnosed?
Usually kidney stones require a CT scan to confirm location, size and density of the stones.What treatment options do I have?
- Small stones pass by themselves with good fluid intake and pain relief
- Dissolution therapy: certain types of stones can be dissolved by changing the acidity of urine
- Stones in the kidney can be treated by shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), percutaneous Nephrolithotmy (PCNL – key hole surgery), uretero-renoscopy and laser treatment (URS)
Meet Our Team
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Mr Bernard Potluri
Mr Bernard Potluri
Our Surgeon
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Dr. Shashi Gopinath
Dr. Shashi Gopinath
Anaesthetist
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Dr. Venkat Shenoy
Dr. Venkat Shenoy
Anaesthetist
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Jo Nualart
Jo Nualart
Medical Secretary
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Sharon Lambe
Sharon Lambe
Medical Secretary
Further kidney stones related information
Please see below links to information leaflets from British association of urological surgeons, on stone procedures and preventive measures
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Kidney Stones
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Surgery for ureteric stones
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Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
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Non-procedural stone information
Latest kidney stones related news
There is no “one-size-fits-all” diet for preventing kidney stones. Everyone is different. Your diet may not be causing your stones to form. But there are dietary changes that you can make to stop stones from continuing to form. Below are some tips. Diet Changes 1. Drink enough fluids each day. If you are not producing…