A kidney stone is a solid piece of substance that forms in the kidney when materials that are usually found in the urine become highly concentrated. A stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract and vary in size. A small one could pass through with little to no pain, while a larger stone might get stuck along the urinary tract and block the urine flow, with severe pain and bleeding. Approximately 8.8 percent of the population, or 1 in 11 people, have had a kidney stone in the U.S.
Individuals with kidney stones may have pain during urinating, see blood in the urine, or feel severe pain in the back or lower abdomen. To diagnose kidney stones, our doctors will perform a physical exam and may perform urine, blood, and imaging tests to complete the diagnosis.
Treatments for kidney stones typically depend on their size and what they are made of, as well as whether they are causing pain or obstructing the urinary tract. Treatments could include shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Kidney stones could also be prevented through changes in eating, diet, and medications.
To learn more about kidney stone diagnosis and treatment options available to you at MAUA, contact us at (301) 477-2000 or fill out our Online Appointment Request Form.
