Kidney Stones
Fast relief now, real prevention going forward.
For: Anyone who has passed a stone, or has been told they have one.
Overview
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated enough for minerals to crystallize. They are intensely painful but very treatable. Just as important as clearing this stone is understanding why you form them, because targeted prevention substantially reduces the chance of the next one.
Symptoms
Signs worth an evaluation
- Sudden severe flank or side pain, often coming in waves, frequently with nausea
- Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin
- Blood in the urine
- Urgency, frequency, or burning as the stone approaches the bladder
- Fever with a stone, which is a urologic emergency
Causes
Causes and risk factors
- Chronic dehydration, common in the desert climate of the Coachella Valley
- High sodium, high animal protein, or high oxalate diets
- Obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome
- Gout, hyperparathyroidism, and inflammatory bowel disease
- Family history and certain medications
Diagnosis
How we evaluate it
- 1Low-dose non-contrast CT or ultrasound to size and locate the stone
- 2Urinalysis and culture, and blood testing including calcium and uric acid
- 3Stone composition analysis when a stone is captured
- 424-hour urine metabolic testing for recurrent stone formers
Testing is chosen for your situation. Not every patient needs every step listed here.
Treatment
Treatment options we offer
Medical expulsive therapy
Hydration, analgesia, and medication such as tamsulosin for smaller stones likely to pass on their own.
Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Non-invasive focused sound waves that fragment stones without any incision.
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy
A small scope and holmium laser to precisely fragment and remove stones, with no incision.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
For large or complex stone burdens, coordinated with the appropriate hospital facility.
Personalized prevention plan
Fluid targets, dietary modification, and medication such as thiazides or citrate based on your metabolic profile.
Why choose PSUMG
Specialist care for kidney stones, close to home.
Rapid access when you are in acute pain
Metabolic prevention workups, not just stone removal
Prevention advice built around desert heat and real hydration demands
If you are in pain, we work to get you seen quickly. If you are between stones, we can help make sure this does not keep happening.
Learn More
For additional patient education, explore these trusted resources.
Medical Disclaimer. This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual medical needs.