AI Summary Overview
How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Doctors usually diagnose kidney stones by reviewing the person’s symptoms, medical history and physical examination. Urine tests can check for blood, infection and substances that may form stones, while blood tests assess kidney function and measure factors such as calcium and uric acid. Imaging tests such as ultrasound and CT scans help locate the stone and determine its size and position.
An ultrasound can show swelling if there is a urinary blockage. If the diagnosis is not clear, a CT scan gives more detailed images. When a stone is passed or removed, doctors can analyse it to find out what it is made of and suggest ways to prevent more stones in the future.
How are Kidney Stones Treated Based on Size?
The table below outlines the recommended treatment approach for kidney stones based on size:
| Kidney Stone Size | Treatment Approach |
| Less than 4 mm | Increased water intake, pain medicines and alpha-blockers may help the stone pass naturally. |
| 4 mm to 6 mm | Hydration and pain management may be used. Consider extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy if needed. |
| Above 6 mm to 10 mm | Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy may be used. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be considered for larger stones. |
| Above 10 mm (1 cm) | Percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be used, while open surgery is rarely needed for complex cases with multiple large stones. |
Types of Kidney Stones and Their Treatment
The table below shows treatment based on different kidney stone types:
| Type of Kidney Stone | Treatment and Prevention |
| Calcium Stones | Fluids, dietary measures and treatment of contributing metabolic factors. |
| Uric Acid Stones | Increased fluids and medicines that help make urine less acidic. |
| Struvite Stones | Treatment of urinary infection and removal of the stone when necessary. |
| Cystine Stones | High fluid intake and medicines to reduce crystal formation. |
How are Kidney Stones Treated Based on Stages?
Let us understand the treatment approach that doctors generally recommend for kidney stones based on the stages:
| Stage | Treatment Approach |
| Stage 1: A stone forms or shifts inside the kidney | Observation, hydration or surgical procedures such as ESWL or PCNL are recommended due to the large size of the kidney stone. |
| Stage 2: The stone enters the ureter and pain often peaks | Pain relief, water, anti-nausea medicine (if required), medicine to relax the ureter. Some patients also recommended procedures like ESWL or ureteroscopy. |
| Stage 3: The stone moves lower, and bladder symptoms become more noticeable | Continued fluid intake, monitoring the condition, and pain relief medicines until the stone passes to the bladder. |
| Stage 4: The stone passes through the urethra and leaves the body | Straining urine to catch the stone, analysing the stone, and lab tests. |
Surgical Treatments for Kidney Stones
Various recommended surgical treatments for kidney stones are as follows:
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Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) PCNL is a minimally invasive procedure used mainly for larger or complex kidney stones. A small opening is made in the back to allow instruments to reach and remove the stone directly from the kidney.
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Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) ESWL uses focused shock waves to break a kidney stone into smaller pieces. The fragments can then pass through the urinary tract. It is generally considered for selected stones that are suitable for shockwave treatment.
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Ureteroscopy During ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. The stone can be removed or broken into smaller pieces using specialised equipment.
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Surgical Stone Removal Open surgery is now uncommon for kidney stones because less invasive procedures are available. It may be considered only in unusual situations where other approaches are unsuitable.
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Ureteral Stent A ureteral stent is a thin tube placed inside the ureter to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. It may be used when a stone causes a significant blockage or after certain stone procedures.
Oral Medications for Kidney Stone Treatment
Some oral medicines that are commonly used for kidney stone treatment are:
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Ibuprofen: Helps reduce pain and inflammation during kidney stone passage and related discomfort.
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Allopurinol: May help prevent recurrent uric acid stones in selected patients with high uric acid.
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Diclofenac: Helps relieve pain caused by severe renal colic and urinary stone movement.
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Sodium Bicarbonate: Helps change urine chemistry in some stone conditions and may support prevention.
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Tamsulosin: May help certain ureteral stones pass through the urinary tract more easily.
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Potassium Citrate: Helps prevent some calcium and uric acid stones by changing urine chemistry.
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Diuretics: May be used to lower urine calcium and prevent recurrent calcium kidney stones.
Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatments for Kidney Stones
Following are the ayurvedic and traditional remedies that are promoted for kidney stone treatment:
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Dandelion Root: It is traditionally used as a herbal remedy to support kidney and urinary health. However, it may interact with certain medicines, so consult a doctor before using it for kidney stones.
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Wheatgrass: Traditionally used to support kidney and urinary health and may increase urine flow. It is sometimes combined with lemon juice and consumed as a home remedy for kidney stones.
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Horsetail Tea: It has long been used as a home remedy for kidney stones and is thought to help support urinary health. People often drink it throughout the day as part of a natural way to manage kidney stone symptoms.
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Pomegranate Juice: Some people use fresh, unsweetened pomegranate juice as a natural remedy for kidney stones. It might help support urinary health, but there is not enough evidence to show it can treat or remove stones.
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Uva Ursi: Uva ursi has traditionally been used to support urinary tract health and manage urinary concerns. Its appropriate dose can vary, so it is best to seek medical advice before using it.
Note: Herbal remedies should be discussed with a doctor, especially if kidney function is reduced or other medicines are being taken.
Home Care for Managing Kidney Stones
The simple home-care measures for managing kidney stones are given below:
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Applying gentle warmth to the lower back or abdomen can help ease discomfort.
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Drink fluids regularly, especially in hot weather or after physical activity.
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Strain urine if advised so the stone can be collected for analysis.
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Avoid lifting very heavy objects and strenuous activity.
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Light walking may support movement of a small stone through the urinary tract.
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Seek medical attention if kidney stone symptoms suddenly become worse.
Latest Treatment for Kidney Stones in India
Recent advances in kidney stone treatment are making care more precise and less invasive. Newer approaches include advanced laser lithotripsy, miniaturised percutaneous nephrolithotomy and refined ureteroscopy, which can help treat stones while reducing the invasiveness of the procedure.
Lithotripsy continues to be used as a non-invasive treatment option, while emerging techniques such as burst wave lithotripsy are being studied as a potential anaesthesia-free approach. Treatment is also increasingly personalised through metabolic evaluation, recurrence-risk assessment and preventive strategies to reduce the chances of future stones.
How Long Does Kidney Stone Treatment Take?
Let us take a look at the approximate recovery duration of different types of kidney stone treatments:
| Treatment Type | Recovery Time |
| Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy | Recovery generally takes about 2 to 7 days. |
| Laparoscopic Surgery | Patients usually recover within 1 to 2 weeks. |
| Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy | Recovery typically takes 1 to 2 days. |
| Open Surgery | Complete recovery can take 2 to 6 weeks. |
| Ureteroscopy | Most patients recover within 1 to 2 days. |
Kidney Stone Treatment Side Effects
The medicines and surgeries prescribed for kidney stones may cause the following side effects:
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Nausea
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Stomach irritation
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Dizziness
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Ureteral Strictures
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Blood in the urine
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Temporary urinary discomfort
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Ureteral irritation
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Infection after a procedure
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Bruising or discomfort after shockwave treatment
Lifestyle Changes for Managing Kidney Stones
The lifestyle changes listed below may help manage kidney stones and support treatment:
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Drink enough water to maintain good urine output.
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Limit excessive salt intake.
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Avoid frequent sugary drinks.
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Maintain a healthy body weight.
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Eat a balanced diet rather than following extreme diets.
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Do not drastically restrict dietary calcium unless advised by a doctor.
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Follow stone-specific dietary recommendations.
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Stay physically active.
Factors That Can Worsen Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Several factors can contribute to stone formation and make existing symptoms worse. Some of these factors that can worsen kidney stone symptoms include:
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Not drinking enough water
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High salt intake
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Excessive intake of certain high-purine foods
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Family history of kidney stones
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Certain metabolic disorders
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Recurrent urinary infections
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Some medicines like anti-seizure or migraine medicines
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Certain digestive conditions
Kidney Stone Treatment Cost
The cost of kidney stone treatment in India ranges between ₹55,000 to ₹96,000. Diagnostic tests can add to the overall expense, with an abdominal ultrasound costing ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, an X-ray costing ₹200 to ₹500 per view, and a CT scan costing around ₹3,000 to ₹4,500.
Whereas Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy may cost around ₹35,000 to ₹60,000, while Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery can range from ₹90,000 to ₹1.63 lakh. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may cost approximately ₹70,000 to ₹99,000, and Ureteroscopy can range from ₹55,000 to ₹99,000. The final cost may vary based on the hospital, stone size, treatment method and other medical requirements.
Does Health Insurance Cover Kidney Stone Treatment in India?
Yes, kidney stone treatment is covered by health insurance in India when medically necessary or when cases requiring hospitalisation are covered. Coverage usually includes inpatient costs, including eligible hospitalisation, and surgical procedures such as ureteroscopy, and shock wave lithotripsy. Outpatient consultations, medicines and certain diagnostic tests, may be covered by OPD benefits.
Before choosing a plan, check the waiting period, pre-existing disease clause, day-care coverage, exclusions and applicable limits. For better financial protection, consider a health insurance cover of ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh, based on your healthcare and treatment needs.
FAQs
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Q1. Can kidney stones pass naturally?
Ans: Yes, small kidney stones can frequently pass through the urinary tract by themselves. Whether a stone passes on its own mainly depends on its size and location in the urinary tract. -
Q2. How much water should I drink to get rid of a kidney stone?
Ans: Drinking enough water is important to help pass a kidney stone, but the right amount depends on your health and how your kidneys are working. If you have fluid restrictions, follow your doctor's advice instead of increasing fluids on your own. -
Q3. Is surgery always required for kidney stones?
Ans: Surgery is not always needed for kidney stones. Many small stones can be managed with regular check-ups and medication. However, if a stone is large, gets stuck, causes a blockage, or does not pass on its own, surgery might be necessary.
