Kidney Stones Treatment in St. Petersburg, FL

Kidney stones can be very small and hard formations of acid salts and minerals that form on the inner surfaces of your kidneys. Normally these materials are diluted in urine, however, when urine is concentrated, they can crystallize and solidify into small masses called kidney stones.

While kidney stones cause no permanent damage, passing them can produce excruciating back and abdominal pain as they move from the kidney through the ureters (vessels connecting the kidney to the bladder). Knowing the type of kidney stones that have formed and why they developed is important in preventing the formation of new stones.

Urologist Eric Diner, MD is board-certified by the American Board of Urology and has extensive experience helping patients with kidney stone prevention and treatment. If you’re dealing with pain or discomfort possibly caused by kidney stones, contact our urology clinic in St. Petersburg, FL today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Diner

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones in St. Petersburg, FL

Fluid intake and dietary changes

You may be able to pass kidney stones by drinking plenty of water (up to 2 to 3 quarts (1.9 to 2.8 liters) a day and by remaining physically active. Dietary changes may include adjusting one’s intake of sugar, sodium-calcium animal protein, insoluble fiber, and vitamin C. Dr. Diner can make recommendations based on the type and cause of your condition.

Pain Medication

While passing a kidney stone, your physician may prescribe drugs to reduce or minimize the often time debilitating pain associated with the movement of the stones from the kidney into the bladder.

Kidney Stone Procedures

Kidney stones that can’t be managed or treated with dietary and fluid intake measures, because of their size or because of ongoing urinary tract infections or bleeding, may need more involved approaches. These include:

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

This common procedure uses ultrasonic shock waves to break the stones into very small particles that can be passed in your urine. Typically, a patient is immersed in a tub of water or lies on a soft cushion for the procedure.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

When ESWL is ineffective, or in conditions where a stone is very large, Dr. Diner will remove the stone through a small incision in your back using an instrument called a nephroscope.

Ureteroscopic stone removal

When a kidney stone is lodged in the ureters, the stone can be removed with a small instrument called a ureteroscope that is passed directly into the ureter through the bladder. Besides physically snaring and removing a stone, the ureteroscope can also be used to direct laser or ultrasonic energy to break up the stone. These methods work well on stones in the lower part of the ureter.

Parathyroid surgery

When kidney stones are caused by overactive parathyroid glands, (located on the four corners of your thyroid gland) the cause is most often a small benign tumor in one of the glands. To correct this condition Dr. Diner can surgically remove the tumor.

Kidney Stones FAQs

What Are Kidney Stones?

When high levels of minerals and salt exist in the kidneys, a clump of matter known as a kidney stone can form inside of the kidney.

How Long Does It Take to Flush Out a Kidney Stone?

Stones smaller than 4 millimeters pass on their own 80 percent of the time. They take an average of 31 days to pass. Stones that are 4–6 mm are more likely to require some sort of treatment, but around 60 percent pass naturally. This takes an average of 45 days.

What Dissolves Kidney Stones Fast?

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps dissolve kidney stones. In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can also decrease any pain caused by the stones. In addition, water and lemon juice can help flush the stones and prevent future kidney stones.

How Will I Know When a Kidney Stone Has Passed?

As stones move into your ureters — the thin tubes that allow urine to pass from your kidneys to your bladder — signs and symptoms can result. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones being passed can include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine.

Which Fruits Are Good for Preventing Kidney Stones?

Citrus fruit, and their juice, can help reduce or block the formation of stones due to naturally occurring citrate. Good sources of citrus include lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.

How Long After Passing a Kidney Stone Does the Pain Stop?

Once it reaches the bladder, the stone typically passes within a few days. However, pain may subside even if the stone is still in the ureter, so it is important to follow up with your doctor if you do not pass the stone within 4-6 weeks.

Can Kidney Stones Grow Bigger?

Kidney stones can start small but can grow larger in size, even filling the inner hollow structures of the kidney. Some stones stay in the kidney, and may not cause any problems.

Is Milk Good for Kidney Stones?

Yes. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and some cheese and oxalate-rich foods are beneficial for preventing kidney stones. This is because oxalate and calcium from the foods are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before entering the kidneys, make it less likely that kidney stones will form.

What Does Passing a Kidney Stone Feel Like for a Woman?

They feel pain in their abdomen, lower back, or groin as the stone passes through the narrow ureter and beyond. That can also cause some gastric discomfort, which is centered in the upper abdomen and can be dull and achy or throbbing pain.