Kidney stones treatment
Kidney stones can be detected using X-Rays or scans to determine their presence and location.
Treatment overview
Sometimes intravenous (IV), the injection of fluids into the bloodstream through a vein, will speed up the passage of stones by producing larger volumes of more dilute urine.
Taking sodium citrate or sodium bicarbonate can break down the stones and prevent further stone formation by making the urine more alkaline.
If your urologist believes that the stone is too big to pass unaided or is causing an obstruction, you may need surgery to remove it.
Tunnel surgery or percutaneous nephrolithotomy
This involves inserting a thin telescopic instrument called a nephroscope through your back into the kidney, the surgeon inserts a surgical instrument and removes the stone.
This is performed under general anaesthetic.
Ureterorenoscopy
While you are under general anaesthetic, a long thin telescope, called a ureteroscope is inserted through the urinary tract to view and then either destroy or gently remove the kidney stone.
Can kidney stones be prevented?
Often, kidney stones will recur in people who have had them before; however, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones:
- Drink more water on a daily basis: at least 2 litres each day.
- Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks and alcohol, which can be dehydrating.
- Adjust your diet: if you have had kidney stones removed before, your doctor may have tested them to find out what they were composed of. He or she may then advise you to restrict certain foods from your diet that could cause high levels of certain minerals to be present in your urine.
- Take any medication as advised by your doctor to help prevent further kidney stones from forming.
- See your doctor if you notice blood in your urine.
- Try to collect any stones that you pass so that your doctor can test their composition and treat you accordingly.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
We operate as teams of experts with world-class resources dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of medical care. You are surrounded by the latest treatments and advice with everything you need to get back to your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. Our nurses, clinicians and support teams are dedicated to the care of a very small number of patients, so have more time for you. They’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care around you and giving the peace-of-mind that comes with knowing you’re in the best hands.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through each step of your experience, with complexities unravelled and answers readily to hand. Your personal treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have finance options available with Chrysalis