How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed and Treated?

After the intense, unmistakable pain of a kidney stone sets in, the next immediate question is, “What now?” The uncertainty about the size, location, and severity of the stone can be as stressful as the physical symptoms. The path to relief begins with a definitive diagnosis followed by a tailored treatment plan. Understanding how are kidney stones diagnosed and the various treatment options available is key to navigating this journey with confidence.

This guide from St Pete Urology will walk you through the entire process, from the initial diagnostic tests that confirm the presence of a stone to the advanced, minimally invasive treatments that can bring you lasting relief.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Your journey to relief starts with a consultation with a urologist. To determine if your symptoms are caused by a kidney stone, your doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation. The process of figuring out how are kidney stones diagnosed typically involves several key steps:

• Medical History and Symptom Review: Your urologist will ask detailed questions about your pain (location, intensity, duration), any changes in your urine, and whether you’ve had kidney stones before.
• Physical Examination: A physical exam helps your doctor rule out other potential causes for your pain.
• Urine Test (Urinalysis): A urine sample can reveal tiny amounts of blood (hematuria) or the presence of crystals that form stones. It can also check for signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can occur alongside a kidney stone.
• Blood Tests: Blood work can show if your kidneys are functioning properly and check for high levels of substances like calcium or uric acid, which can cause stones to form.

Advanced Imaging for Kidney Stones

While initial tests can suggest a kidney stone, imaging is required to confirm the diagnosis and provide crucial details. The most effective diagnostic tool is a CT scan for kidney stones. A non-contrast helical CT scan is considered the “gold standard” because it can quickly and accurately detect stones of all types and sizes, even those as small as 1-2 millimeters.

In fact, studies show that non-contrast CT scans have a sensitivity of over 95% for detecting kidney stones, making them far more effective than a traditional X-ray. This scan tells your urologist the exact size, location, and number of stones, which is essential information for planning the best course of treatment. In some cases, such as for pregnant women or patients who need to avoid radiation, an ultrasound may be used as an alternative.

Conservative and Non-Invasive Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Not every kidney stone requires surgery. Your treatment plan will depend entirely on the stone’s size, location, and the severity of your symptoms. Many patients find relief through conservative or non-invasive methods.

• Watchful Waiting & Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET): For small stones (typically under 5mm) that are not causing severe pain or blockage, your urologist may recommend letting the stone pass on its own. This involves drinking plenty of water (2-3 liters per day), using pain relievers, and sometimes taking a medication like tamsulosin to relax the ureter and help the stone pass more easily.
• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): For stones that are a bit larger but still in a favorable location within the kidney, shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a completely non-invasive option. This procedure uses high-energy sound waves from outside the body to break the stone into tiny, sand-like particles that can then be passed naturally in the urine.

Advanced Procedures: Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy

When stones are too large to pass, cause significant pain, or are blocking the flow of urine, a minimally invasive procedure is often the best solution. At St Pete Urology, we specialize in state-of-the-art techniques to provide maximum relief with minimal downtime.

One of the most common and effective procedures is ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy. During this procedure, a urologist passes a very thin, flexible scope (a ureteroscope) through the urethra and bladder up into the ureter and kidney. Once the stone is visualized, a specialized laser fiber is used to break it into dust or tiny fragments. These fragments are then either flushed out or removed with a small basket. Laser lithotripsy is highly effective for stones located anywhere in the urinary tract and allows for immediate relief.

Conclusion

From a precise diagnosis using advanced imaging to a personalized treatment plan, the journey to becoming stone-free is clearer and more manageable than ever. Whether your situation calls for watchful waiting, non-invasive ESWL, or a minimally invasive procedure like laser lithotripsy, the goal is always the same: to provide safe, effective, and lasting relief.

If you are experiencing the symptoms of a kidney stone in the St. Petersburg area, you don’t have to endure the pain and uncertainty. The experienced urologists at St Pete Urology are here to provide a rapid diagnosis and guide you toward the best treatment for your specific needs.

Contact St Pete Urology today to schedule your consultation and get the expert care you deserve.

References:

• Fulgham, P. F., & Assimos, D. G. (2016). AUA Guideline for the Medical Management of Kidney Stones. American Urological Association. Retrieved from https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/kidney-stones-medical-management-guideline
• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 7). Kidney stones – Diagnosis and treatment. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355759
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017, March). Treatment for Kidney Stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment
• Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Ureteroscopy. American Urological Association. Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/u/ureteroscopy