Kidney Stone Management
Overview
Kidney stones are crystals that form from minerals and other substances in the urinary tract. Stones often pass out the body when you urinate, but this can be very painful as they pass through your urinary tract. If you can’t pass the stone or it is causing a blockage, you may need a procedure to break it up or to remove it.
The Urology team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Surgical Institute offers management advice, advanced treatments and prevention strategies for kidney stones.
Through a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, our experts explore a range of medical and surgical treatments options to ensure the best possible outcome.
The causes of kidney stones are investigated by our experienced urologists and nephrologists. Based upon the results and the type of kidney stones present, patients will receive personalized dietary, lifestyle modification and/or medication recommendations. If surgery is necessary, we offer minimally invasive procedures to remove kidney stones.
Management of Kidney Stones
A kidney stone may pass by itself when you urinate. If treatment is needed, then kidney stone management may involve medications which relax the muscles near your ureter. This make is easier for the stone to pass out when you urinate. The ureter is the tube connecting your kidney to your bladder. Pain medication may also be prescribed.
If a kidney stone doesn’t pass naturally or with medication, a surgical procedure may be required. We offer a range of minimally invasive procedures to treat kidney stones, including:
- Laser lithotripsy: A laser treatment for smaller kidney stones. A very small tube with a laser is inserted into the urinary tract. The laser breaks up the stones and catches them for removal.
- Shock wave lithotripsy: Under a general anesthetic, a machine delivers sound waves to break up the stones. The small pieces of stone then leave the body when you urinate.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Used to treat larger stones, an incision is made in your back to remove the stones via a special scope.
- Reconstructive surgery: A rare procedure, used when stones have blocked or damaged the connection between the kidney and the tube connecting it to the bladder. Once the stone is removed, the tissue is repaired.
Preventing Kidney Stone Recurrence
Our team can provide personalized recommendations that can reduce the risk of kidney stones coming back. Recommendations include dietary advice, such as drinking lots of water and reducing salt intake.
Meet Our Team
The Kidney Stone Management team works together to provide discreet and compassionate treatment to patients.
Caregivers involved in patient care for this program include:
- Urologists
- Nephrologists
- Radiologists
- Anesthesiologists
- Dieticians
- Nurses.
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