What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?

Approximately 10% of Americans develop kidney stones at some point in their lives. If you’re suffering and wondering what to do, we have answers at Urology Specialists of Cypress, in Cypress, Texas.

Our board-certified urologist and Texas native Dr. James Stocks provides comprehensive treatment options for patients in Katy, Tomball, Jersey Village, and the surrounding areas. 

About 66% pass naturally in urine within a few weeks. However, larger kidney stones might not be able to pass through your urinary tract without some extra help. That’s where Dr. Stocks and our team at Urology Specialists of Cypress come in. 

Here, we explain the main treatments for kidney stones and when they’re helpful.

Medication for kidney stones

Although most kidney stones can pass naturally, medications can make the process easier and more comfortable. Prescription medications, such as alpha-blockers, can relax the muscles of the ureters (the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder). This reduces spasms and allows kidney stones to move through the urinary tract faster.

In addition, Dr. Stocks may prescribe a medication that dissolves uric acid kidney stones or a different drug to help prevent calcium kidney stone formation. Patients with struvite kidney stones may need antibiotics to treat an underlying urinary tract infection (UTI). 

Ureteroscopy

If the kidney stone is larger or stuck in your urinary tract, Dr. Stocks may recommend ureteroscopy. This procedure involves guiding a small scope through your urethra, bladder, and ureter to locate the stone. 

Once found, he collects the stone using a tiny basket instrument. Depending on the size of the kidney stone, he may use a laser to break it into small sections for easier removal.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses high-energy shockwaves to break the stone into tiny fragments, which can pass naturally through your urine. 

This nonsurgical method is often a good option for smaller stones under 0.8 inches. Dr. Stocks performs the procedure conveniently in our Cypress office. 

Surgery — percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Some patients need surgery for larger kidney stones (over 0.8 inches) that remain in the kidney. Dr. Stocks performs percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a minimally invasive procedure,  through a tiny back incision. 

Through this incision, he places a thin tool called a laparoscope to access the kidney. Laser or ultrasound technology breaks the stone into smaller fragments, which he then extracts using the scope.

Kidney stone treatment in Cypress, Texas

Kidney stones can be painful and frustrating, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Urology Specialists of Cypress, Dr. James Stocks and our team are ready to customize kidney stone solutions for you. Call us at 281-304-2521 to schedule your visit.