Understanding Renal Calculi
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, these stones can affect any part of your urinary tract — from your kidneys to your bladder. Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.
Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent damage if they're recognized in a timely fashion. Depending on your situation, you may need nothing more than to take pain medication and drink lots of water to pass a kidney stone. In other instances — for example, if stones become lodged in the urinary tract — surgery may be needed.
Common Symptoms
• Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Pink, red or brown urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent need to urinate
Types of Kidney Stones
The most common form, often in the form of calcium oxalate.
Form in response to a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Formed in people who lose too much fluid or eat a high-protein diet.
Caused by a hereditary disorder (cystinuria).
Advanced Treatment Options
At DRG Health, we specialize in Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses sound waves to create strong vibrations that break stones into tiny pieces that can be passed in your urine. For larger stones, we offer Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy and Ureteroscopy using laser technology.