Kidney Stones
Minimally Invasive Treatment & Expert Care
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys and can cause severe pain, urinary problems and complications if left untreated.
While small stones may pass on their own, larger or obstructive stones often require medical intervention.
Dr Ross specialises in minimally invasive treatments for kidney stones, offering laser ureteroscopy as the preferred method for fast, effective stone removal with minimal recovery time.
What are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones (renal calculi) are solid deposits of minerals and salts that develop when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to stick together. These stones can vary in size from tiny grains to larger formations that block urine flow and cause excruciating pain.
There are different types of kidney stones including:
✔ Calcium Stones – The most common type, usually made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
✔ Uric Acid Stones – Often linked to dehydration, high-protein diets or gout.
✔ Struvite Stones – Related to urinary infections and can grow rapidly.
✔ Cystine Stones – Rare and caused by a genetic condition.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
While kidney stones often grow unnoticed in your kidney, symptoms can vary depending on size and location but commonly include:
✔ Severe back or side pain(often described as one of the worst pains imaginable)
✔ Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
✔ Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown discoloration)
✔ Frequent or urgent urination
✔ Burning or pain when urinating
✔ Nausea and vomiting
What causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when urine contains more crystal-forming substances than it can dilute. Contributing factors include:
Dehydration – Not drinking enough water concentrates urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Diet – High oxalate (e.g., spinach, nuts), excess sodium, and high animal protein intake can contribute to stone formation.
Family History & Genetics – A family history of kidney stones increases risk.
Obesity & Metabolic Conditions – Higher body weight, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome can lead to stone formation.
Certain Medications & Supplements – High doses of vitamin C, calcium supplements, and certain diuretics can increase stone risk.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
Dr Ross focuses on the latest, least invasive treatments to remove kidney stones efficiently, minimising pain and recovery time.
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How it Works:
• While under general anaesthetic, a thin, flexible telescope (ureteropyeloscope) is passed through the urethra and bladder into the drainage system of the kidney to locate the stone.
• A high-powered laser (Holmium:YAG or Thulmium laser) is used to break the stone into fine dust or small fragments, which are then passed naturally or removed.
• No incisions are required, and patients typically go home the same day.✔ Best for: Stones in the ureter or kidney.
✔ Benefits: Minimally invasive, no incisions, fast recovery, and highly effective with minimal discomfort.
✔ Considerations: Large or very hard stones may require multiple sessions. Some stones in challenging locations may be better treated with percutaneous procedures. A temporary stent is often placed to keep the ureter open, which may cause mild irritation in some patients. -
• Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that pass naturally.
• Non-invasive (done externally) but may not be as effective for larger or harder stones.
✔ Best for: Medium-sized stones in the kidney.
✔ Limitations: Less effective for very hard stones or stones that cannot be visualised on x-ray. -
• A small incision is made in the back, and a nephroscope is used to remove or break up the stone.
• Requires an overnight hospital stay but is highly effective for very large stones.
✔ Best for: Large or complex kidney stones.
✔ Limitations: Slightly longer recovery than ureteroscopy. -
✔ A state-of-the-art approach that combines ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for complex or large kidney stones.
✔ By using both an endoscopic and percutaneous approach simultaneously, ECIRS allows for more efficient stone clearance and minimises the need for multiple procedures.
✔ This technique is particularly beneficial for patients with large, multiple, or difficult-to-reach kidney stones.
When should I see a doctor?
You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience:
✔ Severe pain that doesn’t go away
✔ Blood in the urine
✔ Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
✔ Signs of severe infection (fever, chills, vomiting)
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent complications like kidney damage, recurrent stones and infections.
Why Choose Dr Ross for Kidney Stone Treatment?
✔ Minimally Invasive Treatment – Laser ureteroscopy as the first-line approach for precise and effective stone removal
✔ Day Surgery – Allowing you to return to daily activities sooner
✔ Personalised Treatment Plans – Individualised care based on stone size, location, and underlying causes
✔ Rapid Access to Care – Quick access to expert care for severe pain or complications
✔ Experienced Specialist – A fellowship-trained urologist with extensive expertise in kidney stone management
✔ Comprehensive Care – Expert diagnosis, tailored treatment, and prevention strategies to reduce the risk of recurrence
Preventing Kidney Stones
*General advice only. Specific preventative strategies depend on urological assessment coupled with urine, stone and biochemical analysis
✔ Limit foods that are high in oxalate
✔ Limit foods high in sugar and sodium
✔ Limit animal proteins and processed foods to reduce calcium buildup
✔ Drink plenty of water (aim to keep urine colour clear)
✔ Reduce high-purine foods (red meat, shellfish) if prone to uric acid stones
✔ Monitor calcium intake (get enough from food but avoid excessive supplements)
BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH DR ROSS
Don’t let kidney stones disrupt your life - get expert care with the least invasive solution.
Contact us to book a confidential consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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Whether a kidney stone will pass on its own depends on its size, shape, location, and your anatomy. Small stones (typically less than 5mm) often pass naturally through the urinary tract within a few days to several weeks, though this process can be uncomfortable.
Drinking plenty of water, taking pain relief medication and prescribed medication to relax the smooth muscle in the ureter (the pipe connecting the kidney and blader) may help facilitate passage.
Irrelevant of its size, if a kidney stone is causing severe pain, persistent blockage, infection, or kidney damage, urgent treatment may be necessary. If you have a kidney stone, it’s important to seek medical advice to determine the best course of action.