Cared for by Dr Dimitri Gambachidze
Urinary stones are painful, disruptive and highly likely to recur — around half of patients form another stone within ten years. The objective is therefore twofold: clear the stone completely, then understand why it formed. Renal colic is managed urgently, with drainage if the kidney is obstructed or infected. Definitive treatment is chosen according to the size, position and composition of the stone, and every patient is offered a metabolic assessment so that recurrence can be actively prevented.
A fine flexible scope is passed through the natural passage up to the kidney and the stone is fragmented or dusted with a holmium laser. No incision, high stone-free rates and usually a day-case or single-night stay.
For large or staghorn stones, access is made directly into the kidney through a small tract, allowing complete clearance in a single procedure, including mini-PCNL for intermediate stones.
Pain control, and urgent drainage by ureteric stent or nephrostomy when the kidney is obstructed or infected, followed by definitive treatment once the infection has settled.
Stone composition, blood and 24-hour urine analysis lead to a personalised plan of fluid intake, diet and, where needed, medication to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Stones under 5 mm often pass spontaneously with medical treatment. Larger stones, persistent pain, infection or obstruction call for intervention.
It can cause urgency, flank discomfort during voiding and blood in the urine. Symptoms disappear as soon as it is removed, which is a quick outpatient procedure.
Consistent fluid intake, dietary adjustment and treatment of any metabolic abnormality reduce recurrence substantially — this is why stone analysis is always requested.