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Choosing the Treatment That's Right for You
The treatment that's best for you will depend upon cause, severity, size, number and location of your stone.
Treatment Options
If your stone is small, your doctor will advise you to drink two to three quarts of water each day until your kidney stones pass through you urinary tract.
Urinate through a strainer to collect the stones when they pass. Then, take the stones to your doctor; they may provide useful information for preventing future stones.
The medication your doctor recommends will vary depending on the type of stones you have. In general, there are medications available to:
- reduce the likelihood that crystals will stick together in the urine
- prevent calcium and uric acid stones
- decrease the amount of calcium that is not absorbed by your kidneys
- bind oxylate (a potent stone former) in your intestines and prevent excessive absorption in your urine
- reduce the amount of cystine in you urine
- prevent bacterial infections that lead to stone growth
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL®) uses shockwaves to break down stones so they pass through your urinary tract.
Is used for larger stones. Your surgeon makes a small incision to remove the stones; ultrasounds or lasers may be used during the procedure.Ureteroscopic stone removal removes stones in the ureters with a tool that's inserted through your urethra; ultrasounds or lasers may be used during the procedure.
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