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Treatments for Kidney Stones

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Treatments for Kidney Stones

Most kidney stones will pass in the urine on their own without further problems. Medicine is used to help the stone move through the urinary tract. Medicine also controls pain and fights infection. In some cases, surgery may be needed. A larger stone can be removed or broken up into smaller fragments so it is easier to pass in the urine.

People who have had kidney stones have a higher risk of them coming back. The care team will teach you how to strain your urine to catch the stone. Kidney stones are made from many types of minerals. Once the type is found, it will be easier to prevent having them again.

Kidney stone treatment includes:

Lifestyle changes

Medications

Surgery

Other treatments

References

  • Kidney stones. National Kidney Foundation website. Available at: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones. Accessed April 2, 2019.
  • Kidney stones. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/kidney-stones. Accessed April 2, 2019.
  • Nephrolithiasis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T114904/Nephrolithiasis-in-adults. Updated March 22, 2019. Accessed April 2, 2019.
  • Treatment for kidney stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment. Updated May 2017. Accessed April 2, 2019.
  • Urinary calculi. Merck Manual Professional Version website. Available at: https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/urinary-calculi/urinary-calculi. Updated March 2018. Accessed April 2, 2019.

Contributors

  • Adrienne Carmack, MD
Last Updated:
2019-03-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.