Kidney stone treatment focuses on relieving pain, removing stones, preventing complications, and stopping stones from forming again. The treatment approach depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as the patient’s symptoms. Small stones often pass on their own, while larger or obstructive stones may require medical or surgical intervention.
Most small kidney stones (less than 5 mm) can pass naturally through urine with proper hydration. Doctors usually advise drinking 2–3 liters of water daily to flush the urinary system. Pain relief is essential because stone movement can cause severe discomfort. Medications such as NSAIDs or prescribed analgesics are commonly used to manage pain. In some cases, doctors may prescribe alpha-blockers like tamsulosin to relax the ureter muscles, helping the stone pass more easily and quickly.
If the stone is large (more than 6–7 mm), causes persistent pain, blocks the urinary tract, or leads to infection, further treatment is needed. One of the most common non-invasive procedures is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). This technique uses focused shock waves to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass naturally through urine. ESWL is effective for stones located in the kidney or upper ureter and is performed as a day-care procedure with minimal recovery time.
For stones that are too large or hard for ESWL, Ureteroscopy (URS) is recommended. In this procedure, a thin scope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the ureter or kidney. The stone is then broken using a laser (Holmium or Thulium) and removed. URS is highly effective and commonly used for ureteric stones.
Another advanced, minimally invasive technique is Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). This procedure is suitable for very large stones (over 2 cm), staghorn stones, or stones that cannot be treated with ESWL or URS. A small incision is made in the back to directly access the kidney, and the stone is removed using special instruments. PCNL provides excellent stone clearance with a short hospital stay.
In addition to treatment, preventive care is essential. Doctors may recommend dietary changes such as reducing salt, avoiding excessive animal protein, and maintaining adequate hydration. Based on the stone type (calcium, uric acid, cystine, or struvite), certain medications may be prescribed to prevent recurrence.
