Help for Kidney Stones

About 1 in 11 Americans develop kidney stones at some point — and they’re growing more common, according to The National Kidney Foundation. 

At Urology Specialists of Cypress, we understand that kidney stones can cause intense pain and discomfort — and we know that when you have them, you just want them gone. That’s why our board-certified urologist, Dr. James Stocks, and knowledgeable team offer a broad range of treatments, from traditional to cutting-edge, to get kidney stones out of your life for good. 

Getting to the root of kidney stones

Kidney stones develop inside your kidneys. They’re made up of hard deposits of minerals and salts. You can get them when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances, such as calcium or uric acid, than it can dilute. 

Calcium kidney stones are the most common type, accounting for about 75% of all kidney stones. 

Small kidney stones may pass through your urinary tract without you ever being aware of them. However, larger ones can cause a lot of discomfort as they try to move through your urinary system and leave your body. 

Many factors can contribute to the development of kidney stones, including dehydration, diet, weight, medical conditions, and family history. 

Dr. Stocks and our team determine the type of kidney stones you have, explore their root causes, and create a personalized kidney stone management plan. 

Treatment options for kidney stones

Dr. Stocks treats kidney stones using the least invasive approach possible. The specific approach depends on the composition of the stone, its size, and other individual factors, but some of the main approaches are: 

Watchful waiting

Watchful waiting is mainly for small kidney stones that aren’t causing serious symptoms. This involves monitoring your kidney stones regularly while making an effort to encourage them to pass using simple methods like drinking plenty of water. 

Medication

Medication can help relax muscles inside your ureters (the tubes that move urine from the kidneys to your bladder) so you can pass smaller stones in your urine. Other medications can help control nausea and ease pain. 

There may also be other medication options based on your stone composition. For example, uric acid kidney stones may dissolve using a combination of a uric acid reducer plus an alkalizing agent. 

Shockwave lithotripsy

One of the most common treatments for kidney stones is extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). This noninvasive treatment involves delivering shockwaves externally. The waves pass harmlessly through your skin, moving into the kidney stones. This shatters them into many small fragments. 

ESWL can be a good option for kidney stones that you can’t pass in your urine because it turns large stones into small ones that you can pass. But, not all kidney stones are treatable using ESWL. 

For example, it might not work for very large stones. And, some stones, including those made of cystine and brushite, are more resistant to shattering with ESWL so might require a different approach.

Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin scope into the urethra, through the bladder, and up to the kidney stone. Then, Dr. Stocks can remove the stone using a tiny basket threaded through the scope. Or, if it’s a larger stone, he may break up the stone using a laser. 

A ureteroscopy could be the right option if your kidney stone is stuck in the ureters or kidney or if it’s causing urinary difficulties. 

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is generally reserved for kidney stones that don’t respond to other methods. In this procedure, Dr. Stocks creates an incision in your back to remove the kidney stone. 

It’s major surgery and requires a hospital stay. 

There may be additional treatment options based on the stone composition and other individual factors. Our goal is to customize the best possible kidney stone solution and then give you the knowledge and tools to prevent a recurrence. 

Kidney stone help in Cypress

You can keep kidney stones out of your life now and in the future. We offer same-day scheduling for kidney stones. Call our office in Cypress, Texas, today or contact us online for kidney stone relief.