Kidney Stones Treatment in New York, NY
Few experiences are as painful as passing a kidney stone. These hard mineral deposits form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract. About 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point, and men are affected more often than women. At Prostate Cancer 911, Dr. David Samadi diagnoses and treats kidney stones in Midtown Manhattan, from pain relief and medical management to minimally invasive procedures that remove stones and help prevent new ones.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become concentrated and crystallize. Stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Small stones may pass on their own, while larger ones can block the flow of urine and require treatment.
Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium oxalate stones, the most common type
- Uric acid stones, linked to high-protein diets, gout, and diabetes
- Struvite stones, which can form after urinary tract infections
- Cystine stones, caused by a rare inherited condition
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
- Sharp, severe pain in the side, back, or below the ribs that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
- Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
- Burning, frequent, or urgent urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Seek urgent care if you have severe pain with fever and chills, cannot keep fluids down, or cannot urinate, as these can signal a blocked, infected kidney.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Not drinking enough water
- Diets high in salt, animal protein, or sugar
- Obesity, diabetes, and gout
- A personal or family history of kidney stones
- Certain digestive conditions and gastric bypass surgery
- Some medications and supplements
How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed
Evaluation typically includes a urinalysis to check for blood and infection, blood tests to measure kidney function, and imaging such as a low-dose CT scan or ultrasound to find the size and location of the stone. When possible, a passed stone is analyzed in a lab to guide prevention. A 24-hour urine test may be recommended for men with recurring stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
Medical Management
Many small stones pass with plenty of fluids, pain medication, and medications such as alpha blockers that relax the ureter and help the stone pass more easily.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Focused shock waves are directed at the stone from outside the body to break it into small fragments that can pass in the urine.
Ureteroscopy
A thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney. A laser breaks up the stone, and the pieces are removed. A temporary stent may be placed to help healing.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For large or complex stones, a small incision in the back allows direct access to the kidney to remove the stone.
Preventing Kidney Stones
- Drink enough fluids to produce about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day
- Limit salt and processed foods
- Moderate animal protein
- Get calcium from food rather than skipping it, since dietary calcium helps bind oxalate
- Limit high-oxalate foods if advised, such as spinach and nuts
Blood in the urine from a stone can look the same as blood from other causes, including bladder cancer or kidney cancer, so it should always be evaluated. Learn more about blood in urine and other urinary issues, or call Prostate Cancer 911 at (212) 365-5000 to schedule an evaluation.
Related Care and Resources at Prostate Cancer 911
Kidney Stones FAQs
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
Common signs include severe pain in the side or back that may spread to the groin, blood in the urine, nausea, and frequent or painful urination. Imaging confirms the diagnosis.
Can kidney stones pass on their own?
Many small stones, generally under 5 millimeters, pass on their own with fluids and pain control. Larger stones are less likely to pass and may need treatment.
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
Small stones may pass within days to a few weeks. If a stone has not passed after several weeks, or causes severe pain or infection, treatment is recommended.
What is the best treatment for a large kidney stone?
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, shock wave lithotripsy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be recommended depending on the stone’s size, location, and type.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes. About half of people who have one stone develop another within 5 to 10 years, which is why prevention and stone analysis are important.
Does drinking water prevent kidney stones?
Staying well hydrated is the single most effective way to prevent most kidney stones.
How do I schedule a kidney stone evaluation?
Call (212) 365-5000 or request an appointment with Dr. Samadi.
Schedule Your Consultation With NYC’s Leading Urologist
Take control of your health today. Whether you are seeking a second opinion or experiencing symptoms like hematuria, Dr. David Samadi and the team at Prostate Cancer 911 are here to provide world-class care in Midtown Manhattan.
Request an AppointmentOffice Location: 485 Madison Ave, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: (212) 365-5000