kidney stone day of procedure tips

Overview

This article provides tips for the day you have a procedure to treat a kidney stone. A kidney stone is a hard piece of material that forms in your kidney. It can cause pain when it moves or blocks urine flow. The procedure is done to break up or remove the stone so you can feel better.

Yes, kidney stones are common. Many people with stones need a procedure at some point to remove them.

Kidney stones affect people of all ages, but they are most common in adults between 30 and 50 years old. Men are slightly more likely to get stones than women.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in your side, back, or lower belly
• Pain that comes and goes in waves
• Pain when urinating
• Blood in your urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Nausea or vomiting
• Frequent urge to urinate

Symptoms in children

• In children, symptoms may include crying, fussiness, or holding the belly. They might also have fever, vomiting, or trouble urinating.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms may be less obvious – they might only feel a dull ache or have confusion if an infection develops.

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough fluids, making urine too concentrated
• Diet high in salt, oxalates (found in spinach, nuts, chocolate), or animal protein
• Certain medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, or gout

Risk factors

• Personal or family history of kidney stones
• Dehydration (not drinking enough water)
• Certain medications (e.g., some diuretics, antacids with calcium) – but always consult your doctor
• Urinary tract infections or blockages
• Conditions like hyperparathyroidism or inflammatory bowel disease

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, intense pain that prevents you from sitting still
• If you have fever, chills, or vomiting with the pain

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have mild pain or discomfort that lasts more than a day
• If you see blood in your urine

Diagnosis

Your doctor will talk with you, examine you, and order tests to find out if you have a kidney stone and how big it is.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test – checks for blood, infection, or stone-forming minerals
• Blood test – looks at kidney function and mineral levels
• Imaging – often a CT scan (computerized tomography) or ultrasound to see the stone's size and location

What to expect at your appointment

Before your procedure, your doctor will review your test results and explain which type of procedure is best. You will be given specific instructions for the day of surgery, such as when to stop eating and drinking and which medicines to take or avoid.

Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass on their own. Larger stones may need a procedure to break them up or remove them. Day-of-procedure tips help you prepare and recover.

Self-care at home

• Follow your healthcare team's instructions about fasting – usually no solid food for 6–8 hours before and clear liquids only up to 2 hours before.
• Take only the medicines they tell you to take – some may need to be stopped.
• Arrange for someone to drive you home – you cannot drive after anesthesia.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing and leave valuables at home.
• Bring a list of your medicines and any allergies.

Medical treatments

Common procedures include: shock wave lithotripsy (sound waves break the stone from outside the body), ureteroscopy (a small scope passes through the urethra and bladder to remove the stone), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (a small cut in the back to remove large stones). The specific method depends on the stone. You will receive anesthesia so you feel no pain during the procedure.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually needed for stones that are too large to pass, cause blockage, or lead to infection. Your doctor will discuss the best option for you.

Living with this condition

After a kidney stone procedure, you may have some blood in your urine, mild pain, or a stent (small tube) in your ureter. This is normal. You will likely go home the same day. Rest and drink plenty of water unless told otherwise. You can usually return to normal activities within a few days, but avoid heavy lifting for about a week.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day to keep your urine pale yellow – aim for 8 to 10 glasses unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Limit salty foods and high-oxalate foods like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts.
• If you are overweight, losing weight can help reduce stone risk.
• Stay active but avoid high-impact activities until you feel fully healed.

Diet and exercise

Diet matters for preventing future stones. Drink plenty of water. Eat moderate amounts of calcium (from dairy or supplements) as advised – do not cut out calcium completely. Avoid too much animal protein (red meat, eggs). Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight and prevents stone-forming conditions.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Having a kidney stone and a procedure can be stressful. It is normal to feel anxious about the procedure or the recovery. Talk to your healthcare team about your concerns. Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Reach out to family or friends for support.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of getting more kidney stones. Drink plenty of water. Eat a balanced diet with less salt and fewer high-oxalate foods. Your doctor may recommend blood or urine tests to find out what type of stones you have and give personalized advice.

Screening programmes

If you have had a kidney stone, your doctor may suggest periodic check-ups with urine tests or imaging to look for new stones, especially if you are at high risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney damage from prolonged blockage
• Severe infection spreading to the blood (sepsis)
• Ongoing severe pain
• Scarring of the ureter or kidney

Long-term outlook

Most people recover well after a kidney stone procedure. With proper hydration and diet, you can reduce the chance of future stones. Your healthcare provider will help you create a prevention plan. You can get back to your normal life and feel confident that you are taking good care of your kidneys.

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