A kidney stone is a urological disease that occurs when minerals in the urine such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid crystallize over time to form hard structures. It is one of the most common clinical conditions in urology and also one of the most severely painful.
The most typical feature of this disease is the suddenly starting, agonizing kidney (renal colic) pain that leaves the patient writhing. The pain usually starts in the flank area and can radiate toward the groin.
The most common symptoms
- Severe flank/back pain
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning when urinating and a feeling of frequent urination
- Restlessness and inability to stay still due to pain
The most important risk factor in kidney stone formation is insufficient water intake. In addition, genetic predisposition, a diet high in salt and animal protein, a sedentary lifestyle and some metabolic diseases can also increase stone formation.
Treatment Approach
Treatment of a kidney stone is planned entirely according to the size and location of the stone and the degree of obstruction it causes in the kidney:
- Small stones: May pass on their own with fluid intake and medication support
- Medium-sized stones: Monitoring + medical treatment + interventional methods when needed
- Large stones: Require active intervention
Modern treatment options used today:
- ESWL (shock wave stone breaking)
- URS (closed laser stone breaking)
- RIRS (laser stone clearance by entering inside the kidney)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (closed kidney stone surgery)
Open surgery has now been almost completely abandoned.
Thanks to modern technologies, stone disease can now be treated in a shorter time, with less pain and with rapid recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of pain is kidney stone pain?
Kidney stone pain usually starts suddenly and is very severe. Patients often describe it as “the most severe pain of my life.” It can start in the back and radiate toward the groin and may increase and decrease in waves.
Does a kidney stone pass on its own?
Yes, stones smaller than 5 mm in particular can mostly pass on their own. However, the location and shape of the stone also affect this process. Even some small stones can become lodged.
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
It varies according to the size and location of the stone. Some stones pass within a few days, while others can take weeks. Pain attacks may occur during this process.
Does a kidney stone recur?
Yes. Even if treated, it can recur at a high rate if lifestyle changes are not made. For this reason, not only passing the stone but also preventing its recurrence is an important part of treatment.
Which is better, laser or ESWL?
It differs for each patient.
- ESWL: Breaking from outside the body, very effective for some stones
- Laser (URS/RIRS): Provides more precise and targeted treatment. The choice is determined by the specialist according to the location and size of the stone.
Is kidney stone treatment painful?
With modern methods, pain during the procedure is minimal. Most procedures are performed under anesthesia and patient comfort is quite high.
What is the recovery process like after surgery?
With closed methods, patients can usually return to daily life in a short time. Compared to open surgery, the recovery time has been considerably shortened.
What happens if a kidney stone is not treated?
Untreated stones can lead to obstruction in the kidney, infection and, over time, loss of kidney function. In advanced cases, it can even progress to loss of the kidney.
Important Note
Kidney stone disease is not “just a painful condition.” The real risk is silently progressing kidney damage. For this reason, early diagnosis and correct treatment are of great importance.
Today, thanks to advanced laser technologies and closed surgical methods, kidney stone treatment is now much faster, more comfortable and has a high success rate.
