Urinary Stone Program

Overview

Urinary stones are solid masses or crystals that form from minerals, acids or salts in the kidneys, bladder or ureters. They are named based on where they are formed: kidney stones, bladder stones, and ureteral stones. Urinary stones can cause pain, urinary symptoms and complications if left untreated. Kidney stones are a common, often recurring, type of urinary stone.

The Urology team at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi takes a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to urinary stone care. We treat both simple and complex urinary and kidney stone cases, proving individual care plans that focus on clearing the stone and reducing the risk of recurrence.

The causes of urinary stones are investigated by our experienced urologists and nephrologists. Based upon the results and the type of stones present, patients will receive personalized prevention strategies and/or medication recommendations. If surgery is necessary, we offer minimally invasive procedures to remove urinary stones.

What We Treat

Our team manages all types of urinary stones, including:

Kidney stones
Bladder stones
Ureteric stones
Recurrent and complex stone disease
Large and staghorn calculi
Stones in patients with:
- Solitary kidney
- Anatomical abnormalities
- Chronic kidney disease
- Metabolic or genetic stone disorders
Stones associated with infection or obstruction

Sub-Specialties & Services

We offer a range of subspecialty services to ensure you receive complete care.

Kidney Stone Management

Diagnosis & Evaluation of Urinary Stones

An accurate diagnosis is vital for the effective treatment of urinary stones. Following an initial assessment, during which the team will review your medical history and perform a physical exam, further diagnostic tests may include:

Imaging: Ultrasound, X-ray or a low-dose CT scan.
Lab tests: Blood tests, urine analysis and culture. A 24-hour urine study may be performed for recurrent stones.
Chemical analysis: A chemical analysis of passed of removed stones to guide prevention.

A comprehensive approach to evaluation ensures a tailored treatment plan is delivered, and the risk of future stones is reduced.

Treatment of Urinary Stones

Treatment will depend on the type of stone, its size, location, and individual factors. Our program offers the full spectrum of stone management, including:

Non-surgical management

Medication to control pain
Medical expulsive therapy (alpha-blockers which relax the ureter muscles to help the stones pass)
Prevention strategies (including dietary, lifestyle and medication recommendations).

Minimally invasive procedures

Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy: A thin tube with a camera (endoscope) is inserted into the ureter to remove/break up stones with a laser.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A surgical procedure to treat large or complex stones.
Cystolitholapaxy: An endoscopic procedure, with a laser or ultrasound used to break up the stones and wash them out.

Minimally invasive, outpatient approaches are always prioritized to enable a faster recovery and reduced stay in hospital.