Can kidney stones go away on their own?

Kidney stones that range from 0.5 to 4.0 millimeters in diameter can and often do go away on their own. Such stones pass easily in urine without causing pain as long as there is adequate water intake to increase urine flow and aid their passage. These stones pass on their own within a few days, though most will do so within 2-3 weeks.

Problematic kidney stones

On the other hand, kidney stones that are 5 millimeters or bigger in diameter don’t go away easily on their own. As they move down the urinary tract, they may get stuck and cause severe pain that may require narcotics for initial pain relief. 

Then as the stone continues to move down the urinary tract, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication) can be used to manage the pain. Drinking a lot of water may help to pass such stones.

With guidance and supervision of your urologist, you can stay at home and wait for kidney stones to pass on their own. But when in too much pain, you may need hospitalization for pain control and intravenous (IV) fluids to boost hydration and further help the stones to pass.

Medication to help bothersome stones pass

Kidney stones that are 5-10 millimeters in diameter may be problematic, but they still have a reasonable chance of going away on their own. To aid their passage, your urologist may prescribe the drug tamsulosin (Flomax), an alpha-blocker medication that relaxes the muscles of the distal ureter—the portion of the ureter right above your bladder. 

Relaxing the ureter helps kidney stones to pass on their own in urine over a period of 2-4 weeks. It also relieves discomfort associated with the stones. But tamsulosin is equally a well tolerated drug that increases the probability of passing a stone from home and without further medical intervention.

Of course, giving the drug does not guarantee that the stone will pass in urine. However, as long as there is no severe pain that needs hospital admission for a surgical procedure, the drug is great option for passing kidney stones from home. 

When is surgery the best option?

If kidney stones fail to go away on their own for up to 6 weeks, surgery is the best option. In fact, a timely surgical removal of the stones helps to avoid possible blockage of the ureter.

Ureter blockage can cause pain, problems with urination, blood in urine, and changes in the amount of urine produced. Also, if left untreated, a stone that is blocking urine flow can cause complications, such as recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI), hydronephrosis, and permanent kidney damage.

Equally, when kidney stones occur alongside a urinary tract infection, sepsis may develop. Since sepsis is a life-threatening condition, it may be necessary to have a tube (catheter) placed in the ureter or kidney to drain the infected urine.

Surgical interventions include:

  1. Shock wave lithotripsy

It is the least invasive outpatient procedure for removing kidney stones that fail to pass on their own. A urologist uses a machine to generate waves that are then targeted at the kidney stone with the help of imaging guidance. No incisions are made.

A stone is hit several times with the waves in a procedure that takes roughly 2 hours and with the patient under general anesthesia. In the process, the stone breaks into smaller pieces, which go away on their own in urine without much discomfort.

Shock wave lithotripsy is advisable for smaller kidney stones, 2 centimeters or less in diameter, but that are located high up in the kidney.

  1. Ureteroscopy

For kidney stones 1.0 to 1.5 centimeters in diameter, ureteroscopy is an effective option. The minimally invasive outpatient procedure involves placing a small, lighted tube with a camera at its tip—ureteroscope—into the urethra, then into the bladder, and further up the ureter.

A smaller laser device is then passed through the scope to help break down the stone. The resulting stone fragments are removed via a basket, a stent, or rubber tube passed through the scope. 

  1. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy

When kidney stones are bigger than 2 centimeters in diameter, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy is the preferred surgical intervention. In both procedures, the urologist makes an incision in the back to create a pathway to the kidney. 

A nephroscope—a tube with surgical tools and a camera on its tip—is inserted through the incision. If the surgical tools are used to remove the stone, the procedure is called nephrolithotomy. But when the tools are only used to break up the stone, the procedure is called nephrolithotripsy. 

Through the nephroscope, the doctor administers a laser or ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to fragment the stone. Then suction is passed via the tube to remove the fragments. The doctor may also insert a stent in the ureter to help with swelling and enable the patient to urinate.

  1. Robotic assisted laparoscopic nephrolithotomy

For patients with bigger, more problematic stones, robotic assisted surgery is a great option. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the abdomen through which a laparoscope (a lighted tube with tiny surgical tools and a camera at its tip) is inserted. 

Using the surgical tools controlled by a computer console in the operating room, the doctor accesses and opens up the kidney to remove the stone.

Are you suspecting that you have kidney stones? At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer a range of surgical and non-surgical interventions to deal with kidney stones. 

For more information on prevention and treatment of kidney stones and other urological problems, visit the site “Advanced Urology Institute.”

Kidney Stones Symptoms with Dr. Brian Hale

My name is Brian Hale. I’m a board certified urologist working with Advanced Urology Institute.

So patients who have kidney stones usually complain of flank pain, which is where the pain would be behind the lower ribs and sometimes it wraps around towards the front [and] down towards the groin area. Those are the most common symptoms, [sometimes] they’ll also have blood in the urine on our testing in the office.

Usually we’ll get an ultrasound or CT scan that diagnoses the stone, it’ll tell us the size and location. If the stones are smaller [about] less than 4 millimeters in size, ninety (90) percent of those times it will pass on their own. So on those patients, I give them a chance to try to pass the stone before we operate on them. When they’re bigger, they’ll be more than 6 millimeters in size, the less of a change of passing [the stone], less than ten (10) percent. For those patients, we look at the scheduling surgery for.

Kidney Stones: Risk Factors and Preventions

The prevalence of kidney stones in the United States has increased over the last decade. As many as 1 in 10 Americans have a kidney stone at some point in their lives, and every year more than half a million Americans go to emergency rooms for kidney stone related complications.

What are kidney stones?

A kidney stone is a small, hard deposit that forms in the kidneys. Stones occur when the urine concentration of crystal-forming substances—such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid—is more than the fluid in the urine can dilute.

They begin as small crystals and grow into larger masses (stones), which then make their way through the urinary tract. Unfortunately, a stone can get stuck on its way out of the urinary system, resulting in an unbearable pain that comes in waves until the stone eventually passes.

What causes kidney stones?

Genetics is one of the risk factors. If you have family members who had kidney stones, you are at a higher risk of having them yourself. Your risk is also higher if you have had kidney stones in the past.

Dehydration is another major cause of kidney stones, which is why more kidney stones occur in the summer. In fact, kidney stone frequency is known to vary by geographic location, with warmer climates having the highest rates of stone formation.

What you eat and drink makes a huge difference. Drinking enough fluids to make over two liters of urine a day reduces the risk of stone formation. Actually, as a rule, you should always check your urine for signs of dehydration. If your urine is dark or yellow, then you are not drinking enough fluid and run the risk of having stones.

Factors that increase dehydration will contribute to kidney stone formation. For instance, excess salt or sodium in food, such as in processed or fast foods, increase dehydration as the excess salt requires a lot of fluid to excrete. So reducing the sodium in your diet will minimize your risk of stone formation.

Matthew Truesdale, MD of Largo Bardmoor, FL

How do you know that you have kidney stones?

Kidney stones cause pain by getting stuck in the urinary system. Since the kidneys continue to make urine, which in turn can’t get out due to the blockage, the urine builds up, stretches the kidneys and leads to severe pain.

You will know you have kidney stones when you have severe, excruciating pain that comes in waves. The pain typically occurs in the back and does not get better with a change in position. Patients who have had kidney stones and also delivered children report that the stones are more painful than giving birth. In addition to pain, you may have fever, nausea, and even vomiting.

Kidney stones may require a trip to the emergency room if you have severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and a fever greater than 100.3 degrees. These symptoms constitute a urological emergency because they signal both a blockage and an infection. With the blockage preventing antibiotics from getting out via urine, you can get very sick, very quickly; hence the need for emergency care.

Emergency treatment with IV fluids at a hospital may be necessary if you are having nausea and vomiting to the point of dehydration. Emergency care is also appropriate when you have pain that cannot be alleviated by over-the-counter pain medicine.

What is the treatment for kidney stones?

The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stone, and on the clinical stability of the patient. The most common approach is medical expulsion therapy—a conservative approach for healthy patients with stones that are small enough to pass on their own and with no fever or other signs of infection.
With medical expulsion, you are encouraged to drink a lot of fluid to help the stone pass on its own. You are also given medications to control the pain and to accelerate passage. If the stone is 5 millimeters or smaller (about half of your thumbnail), there is a 50% chance it will pass on its own and you will avoid surgery.

If you have severe pain, fever, chills and an inability to drink fluids, you may not qualify for medical expulsion therapy. In that case, a surgical procedure may be needed. There are two common surgical options: (1) ureteroscopy or laser lithotripsy, and (2) extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy.

Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy are fancy ways of saying you go to sleep, a camera is inserted through your urethra to the stone, and a laser is used to break the stone into smaller fragments for removal. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy means you go to sleep and sound waves are sent through your skin to fracture the stone into small pieces that can pass on their own in urine.

The advantage of shockwave lithotripsy is that nothing goes into your body, making it less invasive. However, the disadvantage is that the stone fragments still have to pass on their own, a process which can be painful and uncomfortable.

How do you prevent kidney stones?

1. Increase calcium intake

There is a misconception that increasing dietary calcium increases the risk of calcium oxalate stones. This is not true. In fact, eating more calcium rich foods, such as milk or cheese, ensures the oxalate in the diet binds to calcium. When oxalate binds to calcium in the intestines, it is not absorbed in the bloodstream and ends up in stool.

2. Reduce oxalate rich foods

Foods high in oxalate, such as beets, chocolate, tea, coffee, spinach, kale, rhubarb, nuts and beer contribute to stone formation. You may have to eat smaller portions of these foods alongside calcium-rich foods or avoid them altogether.

3. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water will ensure that substances in your urine are diluted and cannot form crystals. As a rule, strive to drink enough water to pass two liters of urine every day—which is drinking roughly eight standard 8-ounce cups per day. It also helps to include some citrus beverages, such as orange juice and lemonade, as the citrate in these beverages helps to block stone formation.

4. Reduce sodium intake

A high salt or sodium diet increases the amount of calcium in your urine and triggers stone formation. Excess salt also wastes the fluid you take as a lot more fluid is necessary for salt-water balance. Make sure to limit your daily sodium intake to 2300mg or less to reduce your risk of kidney stones.

5. Minimize intake of animal protein

Animal protein, such as red meat, eggs, poultry, or seafood, increases the level of uric acid in the body and may cause kidney stones. A high protein diet will also reduce your urinary citrate—the chemical in urine that prevents stones from forming. You can limit animal proteins or replace them with plant-based proteins.

At Advanced Urology Institute, we offer a range of treatments for kidney stones depending on the severity of symptoms and the type, size and location of the stones. We also run tests to find out why they form and give you advice on how to prevent them.

If you or a relative has had kidney stones, consider meeting with one of our urologists for specific ways to reduce your risk. For more information on kidney stone causes, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

Listen to the Podcast to learn more about Kidney Stones, Click here

How Does Dr. Amar Raval Diagnose & Treat Kidney Stones?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Kidney stones are prevalent in Florida, with dehydration and heat as contributing factors.
  • Dr. Amar Raval, a urologist in Tampa, FL, employs imaging tests to diagnose kidney stones and determine the most appropriate treatment.
  • Treatment options for kidney stones include stent placement, ESWL, and laser lithotripsy, all of which are minimally invasive and leverage advanced technology.

Introduction

Kidney stones are a common issue faced by many, especially in Florida, where heat and dehydration contribute to their development. Dr. Amar J. Raval, a reputable urologist in Tampa, FL, at the Advanced Urology Institute, shares his approach to diagnosing and treating kidney stones, leveraging the latest technology and minimally invasive techniques.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Patients with kidney stones usually experience a sudden onset of flank pain that doesn’t subside with oral medication, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and blood in their urine. These symptoms often prompt them to seek medical attention and undergo imaging tests to identify the presence of kidney stones.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

When a patient presents with symptoms indicative of kidney stones, Dr. Raval employs imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, to visualize the stones and assess their size, location, and possible obstruction. This information is crucial in determining the best course of treatment for the patient.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Dr. Raval emphasizes that modern technology has significantly advanced kidney stone treatment, offering several minimally invasive approaches:

  • Stent Placement: A temporary stent may be inserted into the ureter to bypass the stone and alleviate pain. This procedure is often performed when the stone is too large to pass naturally or is causing severe symptoms.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive technique uses shock waves to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces, enabling the patient to pass them more easily through the urinary tract.
  • Laser Lithotripsy: In this minimally invasive procedure, a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone. A laser is then used to break the stone into tiny fragments, which can be passed naturally or removed using a small basket-like device. A sample of the stone may also be sent for analysis to determine its composition and help prevent future stone formation.

Advanced Urology Institute: Your Partner in Kidney Stone Treatment

At the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida, Dr. Amar Raval and his team of skilled professionals are committed to providing the highest quality care for patients with kidney stones. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative treatment options, they ensure that patients can overcome this painful condition with minimal discomfort and a swift recovery.

TRANSCRIPTION:

My name is Amar J. Raval and I’m with Advanced Urology Institute. So kidney disease is very prevalent in Florida because of the heat, lack of hydration being a huge factor. You know, patients generally present with acute onset flank pain that’s, you know, doesn’t resolve with oral medication, nausea, vomiting, fevers, chills, even blood in their urine. Then they ultimately get some sort of imaging that shows that they have a stone that may be obstructing and causing them this discomfort. Approaches are very simple and they’re very endoscopic, don’t require any incisions whether it’s leaving a stent to bypass the stone or if you’re going to treat the stone you can use shock waves from the outside to blast it or a laser to finely fine tune the stone and take a piece of it and send it as a specimen to know what kind of stone it is. So technology is certainly advanced in the realm of kidney stone disease and there’s a lot of minimally invasive approaches to be able to treat that.

REFERENCES:

Why Southerners Have a Higher Risk of Kidney Stone

I am Ketan Kapadia. I’m with Advanced Urology Institute and a board certified urologist.

Dr. Ketan Kapadia of St Petersburg, FLObviously the heat is going to play a major role, a lot of it has to do with our diet unfortunately as well. [As with] an American diet, we just don’t eat very well, we’re all a little heavier and that also increases the risk of kidney stones as well.

The interesting thing here in Florida, which isn’t talked about very much and this is sort of the holistic treatment of the patient in urology, which is we get a lot of men who have prostate problems who start cutting back on their fluids because they don’t want to get up at night; And when you start cutting back on fluids and not getting up at night, now you’re at more risk of [getting] stones. We see a lot of older guys who come in with kidney stones for the very first time because they got a prostate problem as well and that hasn’t really been addressed.

Same with women who have overactive bladder. First thing most people do is they start cutting back their fluid so they’re not having to run to the bathroom all the time. Again, you cut back your fluid and now you’re living in Florida in the heat, you’re going to get kidney stones. So a lot of doctors will be more than happy to just get rid of your stone and have the surgery [but] I’m also interested in preventing that next stone. Part of that is getting twenty-four (24) hour urines, seeing why you’re making stones, addressing all the overactive bladder problems and prostate problems because I don’t want you to end up having more stones. I’m happy to operate and take out stones, that’s fun, but it’s my obligation to help prevent [it from happening agan].

What are the different treatment options for kidney stones according to Dr. Samuel Lawindy?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive and relatively pain-free treatment option for kidney stones, where shock waves are used to break the stones into small sand-like particles that can be passed naturally through urine.
  • Ureteroscopy is a more invasive option for kidney stones, involving the use of general anesthesia and a long tool inserted into the urethra to find and remove the stones, with larger stones being broken up using a laser.
  • For the largest stones that sit inside the kidney, a minimally invasive procedure may be required, where the urologist enters the kidney through the patient’s back to break the stone up or remove it through the incision, with recovery involving an overnight stay at the hospital.

Kidney stones are hard deposits of salts and minerals that form in the kidneys. They are a common and sometimes acutely painful occurrance that affects both men and women. Sometimes these stones can pass from the kidneys and become lodged in the tubes that connect the kidney to the bladder, called ureters. When this happens, kidney stones can become a big problem, causing painful symptoms that may require medical treatment.

Dr. Samuel Lawindy of Daytona Beach, FL

Acute kidney stone symptoms include pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. When a patient experiencing an acute kidney stone episode sees their urologist, the first thing the urologist will do is insert a stint into the urethra. This will open it up and take pressure off the kidney, easing any pain that is present. With the pain subdued, the urologist can move on to assessing the kidney stone’s size and location in order to decide the best treatment option.

One of the best and newest treatment options is shock wave lithotripsy. For this treatment, shock waves are used to break the stone, or stones, into small sand-like particles. These much smaller particles are easier for the patient to pass naturally through their urine. Lithotripsy is a non-invasive and relatively pain free treatment option that is generally well tolerated by the patient.

Ureteroscopy is a slightly more invasive option for kidney stones. General anesthesia is used for this procedure in which a urologist uses a long tool inserted into the urethra to find and remove the kidney stone. In cases of larger stones, a laser is used to break up the stone so it can be scooped out with the tool. With this procedure, the urologist can see the stones as they are removed. Since this is a more invasive option than the shock wave lithotripsy, there is a slightly longer recovery time.

For the largest stones that sit inside the kidney, urologists may need to remove them through the patient’s back. Although still minimally invasive, it is the most invasive option listed here. The urologist will enter the kidney through the back and then either break the stone up or pull the whole thing out through the incision. Recovery for this procedure usually involves an overnight stay at the hospital and some mild pain that can be helped with pain medication.

Patients experiencing the pain and discomfort of kidney stones should be reassured that there are several established procedures for removing the stones. Dr. Samuel Lawindy of the Advance Urology Institute knows the importance of finding the right kidney stone treatment for each patient. For more information about kidney stones, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

TRANSCRIPTION:

So my name is Samuel Lawindy, I’m a board certified urologist at Advanced Urology Institute.

If you have an acute stone episode where you come in with a lot of pain, nausea, vomiting, fevers, the first step is to place a ureteral stent.
The stent will decompress the kidney, open it up, relieve the pressure, relieve any kind of infection that may be there, and take away the pain most importantly.

Once that’s in, then we have time to figure out what the next best option is in regards to treatment. So when talking about kidney stones, based on the size of the stone, the location of the stone, you can do anywhere from shockwave lithotripsy, where you break up the stone with sound waves, very minimally invasive, very well tolerated.

Next option is something called ureteroscopy, where we go in through the urethra from below all the way up to the location of the stone, and break it up with a laser.

And then we can pull those pieces out so it’s a little bit more definitive, in that we see the stone and remove it with an actual basket, however it’s a little more invasive so there’s a little bit more recovery time.

Lastly there is the larger stones that can sit inside the kidney that would be required to remove through the back, and that’s usually done in an overnight hospital stay, still relatively minimally invasive, but we go in through the back to the kidney, either break up the stone in small pieces and pull them out, or we can just grab the whole thing out and pull it out there.

For PCNL, recovery is usually an overnight stay at the hospital, there is a tube in the back that stays in place overnight, but then you go home with nothing, you go home with no tube in the back, no catheter from below, pain is relatively mild, but well controlled with pain medication.

REFERENCES:

Symptoms & Treatment of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a serious and painful medical issue. They cause a wide range of symptoms and can be treated in different ways depending on their size and the patient. Understanding the symptoms of kidney stones and the treatment options available are essential to passing them.

No two people are the same and the symptoms of kidney stones can vary from patient to patient. Some of the most common symptoms are pain in the back or belly, pain or burning during urination, a frequent and urgent need to urinate, urinating in small amounts, and cloudy or bloody urine. Someone experiencing these symptoms most likely has kidney stones and may need to consult a urologist for help.

One of the most troubling symptoms is the pain caused by kidney stones. Some female patients say the pain caused by the stones is worse than being in labor. In many cases, the person with kidney stones may suffer from nausea and vomiting. Although stones can often be passed by the patient on their own, in some cases medical assistance is required.

Treatment for kidney stones is done on a case-by-case basis, with the doctor examining the patient to determine the best treatment method for the individual. For patients experiencing pain, but who may be able to pass the kidney stone, the doctor may prescribe medication to ease the pain and make them comfortable as they wait for the stone to pass. In more serious cases, the doctor may need to surgically remove the stones or bypass them to drain urine and relieve pain.

A new way to remove large painful stones without surgery is Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL). With this non-invasive method the stones are broken up by a shock wave of energy focused on the point where the kidney stone is located. This shock wave breaks the kidney stone into a fine powder that is easier for the patient to pass. In severe cases, the doctor will enter with a scope through the urinary tract or kidney and destroy the stones with a laser.

Relief from the pain of kidney stones can be found at the Advanced Urology Institute, where experienced physicians determine the best treatment method available for each patient. For more information, visit the Advanced Urology Institute website.

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

3 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

 

Kidney stones are formed when certain chemicals present in the urine solidify and turn into hard crystals. Over time, these crystals grow in size and eventually leave the body through urine. Sometimes, the crystals get stuck in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing enormous pain. In nearly 50% of patients with this problem, the stones reappear within 5 to 7 years if no preventive measures are taken. In most cases, these stones form when calcium reacts with phosphorus or oxalate. A physician first determines the cause of this condition and will likely suggest reducing the intake of sodium or protein, both of which cause kidney stone formation. With some determination and care, the risk of kidney stones can be significantly reduced. The following are three simple preventive methods:

1. Increase Calcium

Calcium deficiency causes an increase in the body’s oxalate levels which directly contributes to the formation of stones. Find out how much calcium you should consume for your age to ensure that your body is not deficient in this essential mineral. Generally, men older than 50 years of age need 1,000 mg of calcium every day in addition to 800 to 1,000 IU of vitamin D to help the body absorb calcium. Getting your calcium from food is preferable since studies show that calcium supplements may increase the risk of stone formation.

2. Reduce Animal Protein

Your body produces uric acid while breaking down proteins. Higher levels of this compound increase the acidity of urine, which may cause the formation of kidney stones in the long run. For this reason, keep a check on protein-rich foods, especially red meat, seafood, poultry, and eggs. Eating too much protein also reduces the content of citrate in your urine, and this may also lead to stone formation. If you are prone to kidney stones, you should also follow a low-sodium meal plan. Nutritionists suggest a daily maximum sodium intake of 2,300 mg, but people who already have kidney stones due to high sodium levels should consume less than 1,500 mg of sodium per day.

3. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drinking plenty of water is the simplest home remedy for kidney stones because water dissolves the unwanted substances in urine. As a rule of thumb, drink at least 2 liters of water per day. You may substitute with citrus beverages such as fresh orange juice or lemonade.

In addition to the above measures, avoid stone-forming foods such as chocolate, beets, tea, nuts, rhubarb and spinach, all of which are rich in oxalate. Colas are high in phosphate, a substance to avoid if you have a history of kidney stones due to high phosphate levels. Also, our bodies turn vitamin C into oxalate, so individuals taking this vitamin in supplement form can be at a slightly higher risk. Overall, with proper treatment and some changes to your diet, kidney stones can easily be prevented.

Is Dr. Evan Fynes reporting that kidney stones are more common in Florida?

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has observed a higher prevalence of kidney stones in Florida due to the hot and humid climate causing chronic dehydration.
  • Conservative management, such as medications and increased fluid intake, is often the first approach to treating kidney stones.
  • Surgical treatments, such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, may be necessary when conservative management is unsuccessful.

Dr. Evan Fynes, a urologist in Port Orange, FL, has observed that kidney stones seem to be more common in Florida compared to other regions, such as Ohio. He attributes this higher prevalence to the hot and humid climate in Florida, which can lead to chronic dehydration. In this article, we will explore Dr. Fynes’ observations and the ways kidney stones can be treated.

 

Prevalence of Kidney Stones in Florida

According to Dr. Fynes, kidney stones are a common issue for many patients in Florida. The hot and humid weather often results in increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is one of the most common causes of kidney stones, as it can cause a buildup of minerals and salts in the urine, leading to stone formation. Many individuals in Florida visit emergency rooms with symptoms such as abdominal pain, side pain, and vomiting, which can be indicative of kidney stones.

 

Conservative Management of Kidney Stones

Dr. Fynes notes that there are several surgical ways to treat kidney stones, but often, a conservative approach is initially attempted. Depending on the size and location of the stone, patients may be given medications and encouraged to increase their fluid intake to help pass the stone naturally. This conservative management aims to avoid invasive procedures and reduce the risk of complications.

 

Surgical Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

When conservative management is unsuccessful, Dr. Fynes may recommend surgical intervention to treat kidney stones. Two common surgical methods include ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). In ureteroscopy, a small scope is inserted into the ureter, and a laser is used to break up the stone into smaller pieces, which can then be passed naturally. ESWL, on the other hand, involves using shock waves from outside the body to break up the stone, allowing the fragments to be expelled through the urinary tract.

 

Advanced Urology Institute

Dr. Evan Fynes is a part of the Advanced Urology Institute, the largest urology practice in Florida. The institute is committed to providing the highest quality of care for their patients through the use of cutting-edge technology and evidence-based treatment approaches. By choosing the Advanced Urology Institute for your urological needs, you can trust that you are receiving the best possible care from highly skilled and experienced professionals.

 

TRANSCRIPTION:

So coming from Ohio you know we saw a lot of kidney stones but then coming
down here for the year I’ve been down here so far it’s been stones everywhere
everybody’s just chronically dehydrated due to the sweating and the humidity and
that’s usually the most common cause of kidney stones is dehydration.
Hello Dr. Evan Fynes . I’m a urologist with Advanced Urology Institute. You’ll see a
lot of people commonly go into the emergency room with abdominal pain and
pain on their sides and throwing up and one of the first things they they want
to check out is if you have a kidney stone or not so down here this kidney
stones run rampant. Usually there’s there’s a lot of different surgical ways
of treating a stone but a lot of times these stones depending on kind of
patients clinical outlook we give them a chance to pass the stone if it’s
depending on where it’s at the kidney or it’s close to the bladder and then the
size of the stone so a lot of times we try to do conservative management with
medication to try to pass the stone otherwise a lot of times we have to go
up and get the stone and use a laser to break it up or sometimes we use shock
weight lithotripsy blasted with shock waves from outside the body.

REFERENCES:

Kidney Stones – Environmental Factors Can Increase the Risk

Video: Urology is The Perfect Specialty for Me by Dr Thomas Sander



A kidney stone is a mass of chemical crystals that forms in the kidney, ureter or bladder of an individual. Such stones may develop to different sizes and in different shapes, from tiny microscopic crystals to quite large stones. Kidney stones can occur at any age but are far more prevalent between the ages of 20 to 40. Contact a urologist now and get treatment for this condition as soon as possible. [Read Full Article…]