kidney stone procedure preparation

Overview

A kidney stone is a hard, solid piece of material that forms in the kidney from substances in the urine. Some stones are tiny and pass out of the body on their own, while others are larger and may need a procedure to remove them or break them into smaller pieces.

Yes, kidney stones are fairly common. About 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life.

Kidney stones can affect people of any age, but they are most common in adults between 30 and 60. Men are slightly more likely to get them than women. Certain medical conditions and family history also increase the risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp, severe pain in the side, back, or lower belly that may come in waves
• Pain that moves to the groin as the stone moves down
• Pain when urinating
• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
• Nausea and vomiting

Symptoms in children

• Sudden crying or fussiness in babies and young children
• Pain in the belly or side that may be mistaken for other problems
• Bedwetting or needing to urinate often
• Blood in the urine

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain may be less intense or harder to describe
• Confusion or general feeling of being unwell
• Fever and chills if infection is present
• Loss of appetite or tiredness

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water, which makes urine more concentrated and allows crystals to form
• Eating a diet high in salt, sugar, or certain animal proteins
• Certain medical conditions that increase calcium or uric acid levels in urine
• Family history of kidney stones

Risk factors

• Being dehydrated often
• Obesity
• Certain medications (like some diuretics or calcium-based antacids)
• Medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, or recurrent urinary tract infections
• Bowel disease or having had gastric bypass surgery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that makes it hard to stand or walk
• Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or vomiting
• Not being able to pass urine for more than 8 hours

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had a kidney stone before and want to discuss prevention
• You are passing blood in your urine without severe pain
• You have mild discomfort and want to know if it is a stone

Diagnosis

A doctor will usually start by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. They will often use imaging tests to see the stone clearly.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test to look for blood or signs of infection
• Blood test to check kidney function and levels of certain substances
• CT scan or ultrasound to locate the stone and measure its size
• Sometimes an X-ray called a KUB (kidneys, ureters, bladder) is used

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to collect your urine for 24 hours to check for stone-forming substances. If you already passed a stone, you can bring it to the hospital for analysis to help prevent future stones.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your symptoms. Small stones often pass on their own. For larger stones or stones that cause problems, your doctor may recommend a procedure to remove or break them up. You will be told how to prepare for any procedure based on your specific situation.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water (at least 6–8 glasses a day) to help small stones pass
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your doctor or pharmacist
• Rest and use a heating pad on the painful area if it helps
• Strain your urine to catch any stone pieces for analysis

Medical treatments

For stones that do not pass, your doctor may offer medication to help relax the ureter and ease the passage of the stone. If the stone is too large or stuck, several procedures are available: shock wave lithotripsy uses sound waves to break the stone into tiny pieces; ureteroscopy involves a thin telescope passed up the urinary tract to remove or break the stone; and percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a surgery for very large stones made through a small cut in the back. Your doctor will explain which option is best for you and how to prepare, including fasting before the procedure and adjusting any medications you take.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is considered when the stone is too large to pass on its own, is blocking the flow of urine, or is causing severe pain or infection. Most procedures are minimally invasive and have a short recovery time.

Living with this condition

If you have had a kidney stone, you will usually recover well after treatment. You might need to take it easy for a few days, especially after a procedure. Drink plenty of fluids and follow your doctor’s advice about taking pain relief.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day so your urine is pale yellow
• Limit foods high in oxalates (like spinach and rhubarb) if advised by your doctor
• Reduce salt in your diet
• Maintain a healthy weight

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with moderate protein and low salt is important. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, but be aware that some are high in oxalates. Stay active, but avoid dehydration during exercise. Your doctor may refer you to a dietitian for personalised advice.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Kidney stones can be very painful and stressful. The fear of recurrence is common. It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are struggling emotionally. If you feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis support line or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Prevention

Yes, for many people, drinking enough water and making simple dietary changes can help prevent kidney stones from forming again. If you have had a stone, your doctor may suggest specific changes based on the type of stone you had.

Screening programmes

If you have a high risk of kidney stones (for example, due to family history or a medical condition), your doctor may recommend periodic urine or blood tests to check for early signs. This is not routine for everyone.

Complications

If left untreated

• Kidney damage due to blockage or infection
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Scarring of the ureter or kidney tissue
• Severe pain that affects daily life

Long-term outlook

The outlook for kidney stones is very good. Most stones pass on their own or are successfully treated with modern procedures. Once you have had a stone, the chance of getting another is higher, but you can reduce that risk with lifestyle changes and follow-up care. Your healthcare team will support you in preventing future stones.

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