Kidney Stone Treatment
Kidney Stone Treatment at GEM Hospital
GEM Hospital provides specialised kidney stone treatment in Coimbatore and Chennai for stones affecting the kidneys and urinary tract. Our urologists assess the stone’s size, location and effect on urine flow before recommending the best-suited medical or minimally invasive treatment.
Highlights of Kidney Stone Care
What is a Kidney Stone?
Kidney stones are hard deposits formed from minerals and salts in the urine. They may remain inside the kidney or move into the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.
Some small stones can pass naturally. Larger stones may cause severe pain, block urine flow or lead to infection and may require a procedure.
Signs of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones may not cause symptoms until they move or block the urinary tract. Common signs include:
Sudden pain in the side or back
Pain that moves towards the lower abdomen or groin
Burning or pain while passing urine
Blood in the urine
Frequent urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty passing urine
When is it an Emergency?
Seek urgent medical care if stone symptoms occur with:
Fever or chills
Severe or uncontrollable pain
Repeated vomiting
Very little or no urine
Weakness, confusion or feeling seriously unwell
A blocked urinary tract with an infection requires immediate medical attention.
Why Do Kidney Stones Form?
Kidney stones can develop when urine becomes concentrated and certain minerals begin to form crystals. Factors that may increase the risk include:
Not drinking enough fluids
A diet high in salt
Certain metabolic or digestive conditions
Repeated urinary infections
Gout or high uric acid
Obesity
Family history of kidney stones
Certain medicines
The cause differs between patients. Understanding the stone type and risk factors can help plan prevention.
Types of Kidney Stones
Calcium stones
Calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones are common types. Their formation may be linked to urine chemistry, diet or certain medical conditions.
Uric acid stones
These stones form when the urine remains too acidic. They may be associated with gout, dehydration or dietary factors.
Struvite stones
Struvite stones can develop after certain urinary infections and may grow quickly.
Cystine stones
These are uncommon stones caused by an inherited condition that leads to excess cystine in the urine.
How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about the pain, urinary symptoms and previous history of stones. Tests may include:
Ultrasound
Helps identify stones and swelling in the urinary system.
CT scan
Shows the size and exact location of most stones.
X-ray
May be used to assess or monitor certain stones.
Urine test
Checks for blood, crystals and infection.
Blood test
Evaluates kidney function and substances linked to stone formation.
Stone analysis
Identifies the stone type when a passed or removed stone is available.
A 24-hour urine test may be recommended for people with repeated kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, type, symptoms and effect on kidney function.
Medicines and observation
Small stones may pass naturally with appropriate fluids, pain relief and medical supervision. Medicines may be prescribed to help the ureter relax or to treat a specific stone type.
Do not increase fluid intake excessively during severe pain or a suspected blockage without medical advice.
Shock wave lithotripsy
Shock Wave Lithotripsy uses focused energy from outside the body to break selected stones into smaller pieces. These fragments can then pass through the urine.
Ureteroscopy and laser treatment
A thin scope is passed through the urinary passage to reach a stone in the ureter or kidney. Laser energy may be used to break the stone and the pieces can be removed. There is no external surgical cut.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy or PCNL, is generally used for large or complex kidney stones. The surgeon reaches the kidney through a small opening in the back and removes the stone under anaesthesia.
Some suitable stone procedures may be completed as day-care treatment. The need for admission and recovery time depends on the procedure and the patient’s condition.
Preventing Another Kidney Stone
Kidney stones can return, so prevention is an important part of treatment. Your doctor may recommend:
Drinking enough water throughout the day
Reducing salt intake
Following advice based on the stone type
Maintaining a healthy body weight
Taking prescribed preventive medicines
Completing follow-up urine tests or scans
Do not remove calcium or other food groups from your diet without medical or dietetic advice. Prevention should be personalised according to your test results.
Why Choose GEM Hospital for Kidney Stone Care?
Urologists experienced in routine and complex stone treatment
Imaging and laboratory support for accurate diagnosis
Medical, shock-wave, laser and minimally invasive options
Treatment selected according to stone size and location
Emergency assessment for blocked or infected stones
Follow-up focused on reducing recurrence
Patients at GEM Hospital in Coimbatore receive support from diagnosis through stone removal and prevention. GEM Hospital in Chennai provides the same patient-focused approach for kidney and ureteric stones.
Coimbatore Center
At GEM Hospital in Coimbatore, patients receive coordinated kidney stone care from diagnosis through stone removal and prevention.
Chennai Center
GEM Hospital in Chennai provides the same patient-focused approach for kidney and ureteric stone treatments.
Book a Kidney Stone Consultation
Do not ignore severe side pain, blood in the urine or repeated urinary infections. Early evaluation can identify a blockage and help protect kidney function.
For kidney stone treatment in Coimbatore, schedule an appointment at GEM Hospital in Coimbatore. Patients seeking kidney stone treatment in Chennai can consult the urology team at GEM Hospital in Chennai.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some smaller stones can pass naturally. The chance depends on the stone’s size and location and whether it is causing blockage, infection or severe symptoms.
No. Treatment may involve observation and medicines, shock-wave treatment or a minimally invasive procedure. Your urologist will recommend an option after reviewing the scan.
The procedure is performed under anaesthesia. Temporary burning, discomfort or blood in the urine may occur afterward and will be managed by the care team.
Yes. Hydration, dietary changes, medicines and follow-up tests may help reduce recurrence, depending on why the stone formed.
Recovery varies according to the treatment and your health. Your doctor will provide specific advice about work, exercise, driving and lifting.
