Urinary stone disease: Causes, symptoms and therapy

Urinary stones are hard deposits that can form in the kidneys, ureter, or bladder. They develop when minerals or acid salts in the urine crystallize. Many small stones are passed unnoticed in the urine—but larger stones can cause severe pain and require treatment.

Symptoms: Renal colic as a warning sign

As long as urinary stones are small, they usually cause no symptoms. However, if a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, bladder, or urethra, it can result in extremely painful renal colic. Typical symptoms include sudden, cramping pain in the flank that may radiate to the lower abdomen.

A regular kidney ultrasound can detect stones early on, before they cause symptoms.

Treatment Options

Depending on the size, location, and type of stone, various treatment methods are available:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

In ESWL, kidney stones are broken up from the outside using sound waves. The small fragments are then naturally passed in the urine. The treatment takes about 30 to 60 minutes and can often be performed on an outpatient basis—without any incisions.

Ureterorenoscopy (URS)

In this endoscopic procedure, fine instruments are guided through the urethra and bladder to the stone. There, the stone is碎裂ed mechanically or with a laser and then removed or passed naturally.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

For larger kidney stones, direct access to the renal pelvis can be created via a small incision in the back. The stones are碎裂ed there using a laser and removed with forceps. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Prevention of Urinary Stones

Without adequate follow-up care, the risk of developing stones again is about 60 percent. This makes targeted preventive measures all the more important:

• Drink plenty of fluids: At least 2.5 liters of water or unsweetened beverages per day
• A balanced, fiber-rich diet — individually tailored based on an analysis of the stone composition
• Regular exercise and physical activity
• Follow-up care with a urologist: Regular check-ups and stone analysis to identify risk factors

Expert in Urinary Stone Diseases

DDr. Özsoy is recognized as an international expert in the treatment of urinary stones. At the UROMED Competence Center for Urology, you will receive expert diagnostics, modern treatment, and personalized advice on prevention.