Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause intense discomfort and affect your quality of life. A comprehensive kidney stone program provides expert diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies to help you find relief and avoid future episodes.

Recognizing Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones often present with distinctive warning signs that require prompt medical attention:

• Severe pain in your back or side that comes in waves
• Burning sensation during urination
• Blood in your urine
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills if infection is present

Understanding Kidney Stone Causes

Several factors can contribute to kidney stone formation:

• Insufficient daily water intake
• Diet high in sodium and animal protein
• Family history of kidney stones
• Certain medical conditions like gout
• Some medications and supplements
• Obesity and metabolic disorders

Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing you to return home the same day.

Advanced Kidney Stone Treatment Options

The most effective treatment approach depends on factors like stone size, location, and composition. 

Watchful Waiting & Medical Expulsion

For smaller stones (under 5mm), watchful waiting combined with pain management may be appropriate. Medical expulsion therapy using alpha-blockers can help relax the ureter, making it easier to pass stones naturally. During this time, we recommend:

• Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily
• Taking prescribed pain medication as needed
• Straining urine to collect the stone for analysis
• Regular monitoring through imaging

Non-Invasive Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)

This outpatient procedure uses focused shock waves to break stones into smaller, passable fragments:

• No surgical incisions required
• Treatment typically takes 45-60 minutes
• Patients can usually return home the same day
• May require multiple sessions for larger stones
• Success rates of 70-90% for appropriate candidates

Minimally Invasive Surgical Options

Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy

This precise procedure uses a thin scope to access and treat stones:

• Advanced laser technology fragments stones into dust
• Immediate stone clearance
• Typically performed under general anesthesia
• Usually same-day discharge
• Excellent for stones in the ureter or kidney

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Reserved for larger stones or complex cases:

• Small incision in the back to access the kidney directly
• Ideal for stones larger than 2cm
• May require overnight hospital stay
• Higher stone clearance rates for large stones
• Faster recovery than traditional open surgery

Prevention and Follow-Up Care

• After stone treatment, we focus on preventing recurrence through:
• Comprehensive metabolic evaluation
• 24-hour urine collection analysis
• Blood testing for underlying conditions
• Personalized dietary recommendations
• Medication therapy when indicated
• Regular follow-up imaging

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about your treatment options for Kidney Stones, schedule a private consultation with Dr. Justin Houman at his practice in Los Angeles, CA. You can schedule an appointment by calling our office or filling out our online form.

An expert in his field

Meet Dr. Houman

Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Urologist and Men’s Health specialist whose mission is to enhance men’s quality of life by improving their sexual and reproductive health. Dr. Houman’s focus is on making a difference in people’s lives through state-of-the-art, compassionate, and personally tailored care.

       

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