Kidney stones are one of the most common reasons people in Bengaluru visit a urologist. Long commutes, desk jobs, warm weather and not drinking enough water all add up, and many patients in Koramangala, HSR Layout, BTM Layout and Indiranagar first find out they have a stone after a sudden, severe attack of pain. This guide explains when a stone can be watched, when it needs treatment, and what modern laser surgery involves.
Signs you may have a kidney stone
- Sudden, severe pain in the side or back that may spread to the lower abdomen or groin
- Nausea or vomiting with the pain
- Blood in the urine, either visible or seen on a urine test
- Burning, urgency or frequent urination when the stone reaches the bladder end of the ureter
- Fever and chills, which can mean an infected, blocked kidney and needs emergency care
Which tests are needed?
A non-contrast CT KUB is the most accurate test. It shows the stone’s exact size, position and hardness, which decides the treatment. An ultrasound is useful for follow-up and during pregnancy. A urine test and kidney function blood test are also done.
Can the stone pass on its own?
Stones smaller than about 5 mm pass naturally in most people within a few weeks, helped by fluids, pain relief and a medicine that relaxes the ureter. Stones between 5 and 10 mm may pass but often need help. Stones larger than 10 mm rarely pass on their own. Read more in Can kidney stones pass naturally?
When treatment is needed
- The stone is too large to pass or has not moved in four to six weeks
- Pain keeps returning despite medicines
- The kidney is blocked and swollen
- There is infection or fever (this is an emergency)
- You have only one working kidney
Treatment options in Koramangala
URS (ureteroscopy)
For stones stuck in the ureter, a thin telescope is passed through the urine passage and the stone is broken with a laser. There is no cut and most patients go home within a day.
RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)
For kidney stones up to about 2 cm, a flexible scope reaches inside the kidney and a laser turns the stone into fine dust. RIRS is scar-free and is suitable for people on blood thinners.
PCNL and mini-PCNL
For stones larger than 2 cm or staghorn stones, a small keyhole in the back gives direct access to the kidney, allowing large stones to be cleared in one sitting.
Learn more on our RIRS and PCNL and laser lithotripsy pages.
After treatment: stopping the next stone
About half of people who form one stone will form another within ten years. Simple steps make a big difference:
- Drink enough to pass 2.5 to 3 litres of urine a day, and more on hot days or after exercise
- Cut down on added salt, packaged snacks and excess animal protein
- Do not avoid calcium-rich foods such as milk and curd. Dietary calcium actually lowers stone risk
- Add citrus such as lemon water, which raises urine citrate
- Get the removed stone analysed, and a 24-hour urine test if you have repeated stones
See a kidney stone specialist in Koramangala
Dr. Bivek Kumar, MCh Urology, has more than 18 years of experience in laser kidney stone surgery. He sees patients at Superhealth Hospital, Salarpuria Tower 1, Marigowda Road, Koramangala (beside Nexus Mall), Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm. Call +91 90329 59964 to book. Evening and Sunday OPDs are available at Nelivigi Multispeciality Hospital, Bellandur.
This article is for general information and does not replace a consultation. Seek urgent care if you have fever with stone pain, cannot pass urine, or have uncontrolled vomiting.