Kidney Stones

Kidney stones (also called renal stones or urinary stones) are small, hard deposits that form in one or both kidneys. 

They are made of minerals or other substances normally found in urine. These stones can form in one or both kidneys and vary in size, shape, and color.

To leave the body (or be "passed"), the stones must travel through ducts that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) and be excreted through urine. Depending on their size, this process can take days to weeks to pass.

There are four main types of kidney stones, classified by what they are made of: 
•    Calcium stones: the most common kind of kidney stones
•    Uric acid stones: formed from a normal waste product)
•    Cystine stones: result from a rare inherited condition involving amino acid buildup
•    Struvite stones: made of phosphate minerals  

Stones form when more of the compound is present in the urine than can be dissolved. This imbalance can occur when there is an increased amount of the material in the urine, a reduced amount of liquid in the urine, or both.

Causes and Risk Factors 

Caucasians are more likely to develop kidney stones., which often result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors:
•    Genetic changes can affect the body’s ability to regulate materials in cells, leading to higher concentrations of stone-forming compounds in urine.
•    Dehydration can lead to more concentrated urine and increase the risk of kidney stones.
•    Diets high in animal protein sodium, or low in calcium may increase the risk, especially in people with a history of kidney stones.
•    Certain medications like diuretics and calcium-based antacids can also contribute to their formation.

Kidney stones may also be linked to other health conditions:
•    Hypercalciuria, or high levels of calcium in the urine
•    Obesity
•    Tye 2 diabetes
•    Gout
•    Inflammatory bowel disease
•    Hyperparathyroidism
•    Renal tubular acidosis
•    Recurrent urinary tract infections

Symptoms 

Kidney stones can cause abdominal or back pain, known as renal colic. The pain may begin sporadically and then becomes constant, often causing nausea and vomiting. The location of the pain can change as the stone moves through the urinary tract.

Some small stones pass with little or no discomfort, while larger ones can block the flow of urine, impair kidney function, and lead to complications such as:
•    Blood in the urine (hematuria) 
•    Kidney infections 
•    Urinary tract infections

Unusually large or difficult-to-pass stones may require medical removal.

Treatment Options

Cooper urologists will work closely with you to identify the best treatment option, which include:
•    Shock wave lithotripsy: a non-invasive treatment that causes sound waves to break up stones 
•    Ureteroscopy: a minimally invasive procedure to remove or break up stones
•    Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: used for very large or complex stones
•    Traditional open surgery: reserved for rare cases where other treatments are not appropriate

Why Choose Cooper for Your Kidney Stone Care

At Cooper University Health Care, our expert urology team provides comprehensive, compassionate care for those with kidney stones – from diagnosis through treatment. Patients trust us for their kidney stone care for our:

• Advanced treatment options: We offer the full range of medical and surgical solutions, from non-invasive therapies to minimally invasive procedures for complex or large kidney stones
• Specialized expertise: Our fellowship-trained and board-certified urologists are world-renowned for their expertise and innovation in urologic care.
• Collaborative, personalized care: We take the time to understand your unique condition and tailor your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcome.
• Commitment to medical education and research: Our urology team is active in both clinical and basic science research, giving you access to the latest treatment approaches