What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney Stones are small hard deposits that form in the kidneys and are usually painful when passed though the urine. The stones may block the ureter or the urethra and cause severe pain or an infection.

What causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney Stones form when an imbalance occurs in the various chemicals that are present in the urine. The most commonly involved chemicals are calcium, oxalate, citric acid, uric acid and cysteine.

Treatment Options:

a) Medications - Drugs known as alpha-blockers relax the walls of the ureter. This widens the passages so a stone can fit through more easily.
b) Shock Wave Therapy - The most common medical procedure for treating kidney stones is known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This therapy uses high-energy shock waves break a kidney stone into little pieces.
c) Ureteroscopy - A surgeon breaks up the stone and removes the fragments through the tube. No incisions are made in the body.
d) Holmium Laser/ Laser Lithotripsy - The stone is fragmented with the help of Holmium Laser & and the remaining pieces are washed out of the urinary tract. The procedure is less painful & minimally invasive.