Ways To Remove Stones

Find out when surgery is needed for kidney stones.

Anyone who’s ever had a kidney stone knows pain. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about one in ten people will experience kidney stones at some point in their life, with this problem most often occurring in men. While some kidney stones may pass on their own, it’s also important to know when you may need to turn to our Logan, UT, general surgeon Dr. Scott Grover for care at Cache Valley Surgical Consultants.

What are the signs and symptoms of kidney stones?

These hard mineral deposits may be small at first but can also grow over time. As they grow you may experience:

• Painful urination
• Decreased urinary output
• Blood in urine
• Severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
• Nausea
• Vomiting

If you are experiencing these symptoms it’s important that you call our Logan, UT, general surgeon to find out if you need to come in for care.

What are the risk factors of kidney stones? 

While anyone can develop kidney stones, certain factors can increase your chances. Some of these risk factors include:

• Being male (men are twice as likely to develop kidney stones as women)
• Having a personal history of kidney stones
• Having a family history of kidney stones
• Not drinking enough water
• Eating a high-protein, high-sodium, or high-sugar diet
• Being overweight or obese
• Having kidney disease
• Taking water pills or antacids containing calcium

When is surgery necessary to remove a kidney stone?

First, our surgical team will need to perform imaging tests to be able to detect the kidney stone and to determine the actual size of the stone. The size and location of the stone, along with the symptoms you are experiencing, will determine whether you may need surgery or whether the stone can pass on its own. You may benefit from surgery if:

• The stone is large
• You are experiencing extreme pain
• The stone is blocking the urinary tract

There are several strategies to help us break up the stone so that it’s easier to pass. Shockwave lithotripsy is one of the most common procedures for breaking up kidney stones because it’s noninvasive. This procedure is great for treating more medium-sized stones. Shock waves and lasers are typically used to break up kidney stones.

It’s important that you don’t ignore symptoms. Kidney stones require immediate medical attention from our Logan, UT, general surgeon Dr. Grover. By turning to us right away we can prevent complications and help you manage your pain. Call Cache Valley Surgical Consultants at (435) 752-7122 to schedule an appointment.