Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that develop in the kidneys. Bladder stones are small, hard or soft mineral deposits that develop in the bladder. Both kinds of stones may pass out of the body on their own, causing mild to severe pain. Or, they may need to be removed by a doctor. The physicians at Urology Specialists of Wisconsin are experts in helping patients manage and prevent stones.
Common symptoms of kidney stones include:
Pain in the side and back, below the ribs, that lasts anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour
Pain waves that move from the side and back to the lower abdomen and groin
Bloody urine
Pain during urination, and/or a frequent need to urinate
Common symptoms of bladder stones include:
Pain in the lower abdomen; and for men, pain in the penis
Pain during urination, and/or a frequent need to urinate
Blood in the urine (also known as “hematuria”)
Treatments. Stones can be treated in many ways. A Urology Specialists doctor can help determine the best treatment for you.
Medical management – The use of various medicines to prevent or slow the formation of stones
Ureteroscopy – Removal of kidney stones using a thin tube and forceps inserted through the ureter
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (also known as “PERC”) – Surgical removal of kidney stones through a small incision in the back
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (also known as “ESWL”) – The use of shock waves to break kidney stones into small pieces that can be passed out of the body through the urine
Cystolithopaxy – The use of a laser, ultrasound, or mechanical device to break bladder stones into small pieces that can be passed out of the body through the urine
Call us today at 888-847-2605 to learn more or make an appointment.
