Kidney Stones Specialists
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. A urologist can diagnose, manage, and surgically remove stones that cannot pass on their own.
About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones affect roughly 1 in 11 Americans and are one of the most common reasons patients seek urological care. Most small stones pass on their own with hydration and pain management, but larger stones or those causing obstruction require urological intervention.
Signs & Symptoms
- ✓ Severe flank or back pain
- ✓ Pain radiating to the groin
- ✓ Nausea and vomiting
- ✓ Blood in urine (hematuria)
- ✓ Frequent urination
- ✓ Fever and chills (sign of infection)
Treatment Options
- ✓ Watchful waiting with increased hydration
- ✓ Pain management (NSAIDs, opioids)
- ✓ Medical expulsive therapy (alpha-blockers)
- ✓ Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
- ✓ Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
- ✓ Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see a urologist for kidney stones?
See a urologist if you have a stone larger than 5 mm, recurrent stones, an obstructed kidney, signs of infection, or a single kidney. First-time stones with severe pain also warrant prompt evaluation.
Can a urologist remove kidney stones without surgery?
Yes. Shock wave lithotripsy breaks stones with sound waves from outside the body, requiring no incisions. Ureteroscopy uses a thin scope and laser to fragment stones in the ureter or kidney.
How do I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Prevention depends on stone type. In general, drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily, reduce sodium and animal protein intake, and follow dietary guidance from your urologist. A 24-hour urine collection test helps identify your specific risk factors.
Urologists Who Treat Kidney Stones
Dr. Neil Stein, MD
Urology
Dr. Bert Spence, MD
Urology
Dr. Gary Carl, MD
Urology
Dr. Victor Carpiniello, MD
Urology
Dr. Chase Sovell, MD
Urology
Dr. Gavin Stormont
Urology
Dr. Ronald Cercone, MD
Urology
Dr. Neil Bander, MD
Urology
Dr. Pooja Srikanth, MD
Urology
Dr. Michael Strigenz, MD
Anesthesiology
Dr. William Blank, MD
Urology
Dr. Philip Sweetser, MD
Urology
Dr. Helmer Swenson, MD
Urology
Dr. Joshua Broghammer, MD
Urology
Dr. Arturo Canto, MD
Urology
Dr. Thomas Stormont, MD
Urology
Dr. David Streitz, MD
Urology
Dr. Basir Tareen, MD
Urology
Dr. Leila Tabibian, MD
Urology
Dr. Dean Tortorelis, MD
Urology
Dr. Michael Tran, MD
Urology
Dr. Kevin Unger, MD
Urology
Dr. Caner Dinlenc, MD
Urology
Dr. Sierra Tolbert, MD
Urology
Disclaimer
The material on this page is intended to be an educational resource only and is not meant to be a warranty or to replace a conversation between a patient and their physician or member of their health care team. Please consult a physician for a complete list of indications, contraindications, precautions, warnings, clinical results and other important medical information that pertains to this procedure. The decision to receive medical treatment is individualized to the patient and the patient's symptoms. The information presented on this site may not apply to your condition, treatment or its outcome, as surgical techniques vary and complications can occur. It is important to discuss the viability of any surgical procedure with a physician to decide the right treatment option. Provider data sourced from the NPPES NPI Registry (CMS).