Kidney Stones

The first signs of kidney stones often appear as difficulty in urination, blood in the urine, or backache. The pain can be acute, but for some people it may come and go as mild, intermittent aches.

An X-ray, CT Scan, or MRI scan will usually show the stones clearly.

Once confirmed, a urologist will discuss the condition with the patient. Treatment can be non-invasive, such as shock-wave therapy to break up the stones, or invasive, such as surgery. If surgery is required, it is typically performed under general anaesthesia so the patient sleeps through the entire procedure.

Most kidney-stone surgeries are day procedures. Patients are usually able to move around shortly after, although they are advised not to drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.