THE MOST ADVANCED TREATMENTS FOR KIDNEY STONES

Most urinary stones (also known as urolithiasis) are formed due to changes in the natural balance of minerals and water in the urine. They consist of salts and minerals which crystallise and stick together, forming mineral deposits known as stones. If large enough, they may be stuck in the urinary tract system. We have the best tools to find stones and remove them. Our most advanced treatments have incredible precision and pinpoint accuracy that results in better stone clearance. We know kidney stones are painful, that is why we offer same day appointments and most importantly, it’s covered by insurance!

DID YOU KNOW?

Many people often associate kidney and ureteral stones with pain. However, symptoms can vary from severe pain to no pain at all, depending on stone characteristics such as – size, shape, and location of the stone in the urinary tract. Many patients have kidney stones and yet very few ever have a comprehensive evaluation as to the reason they are forming stones. At Advanced Urology, we always evaluate the root cause of stone formation. We can help prevent stones before they start. Better yet, if you have a history of forming stones, you have a 50% chance of forming another stone. We can help prevent more from forming!

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POSSIBLE CAUSES FOR STONE FORMATION

The most common cause of urinary stones is the imbalance in the composition of urine. This may be due to:

  • Insufficient fluid intake
  • A protein (or sodium) rich diet
  • Not enough citrate production (genetic)
  • Existing conditions such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes and gout
  • A regulatory disorder of the parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)
  • Bowel surgery, gastric bypass and chronic bowel disease (Crohn’s Disease)

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF KIDNEY STONES

  • Pain on the sides and back of the abdomen, between the lower ribs and hips; may radiate down to the groin area
  • Recurrent dull pain in the flank*
  • Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
  • Pain on urination or urethra spasms
  • Pink, red or brown urine

*This typically is a sign for kidney stones, however, we do other tests to ensure that you do not have any other kidney issues

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent need to urinate
  • Urinating more often than usual
  • Urinating small amounts
  • Fever and chills if an infection is present

PROVEN KIDNEY STONE TREATMENT WITH ADVANCED LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL)

WHAT IS EXTRACORPOREAL SHOCKWAVE LITHOTRIPSY (ESWL)?

An ESWL treatment involves targeting shockwaves on stones from outside the body using a lithotripter machine. The shockwaves travel through the skin to break a stone into small pieces that can easily move through the urinary tract and pass from the body naturally in urine with minimal to no discomfort.

Most stones can be treated successfully with this 30-to-60-minute treatment, so there is no need for invasive intervention such as surgery. In general, patients who undergo ESWL treatments feel minimal pain and have a high possibility to be stone-free with just one round of treatment (depending on size and position of the stone.)

ESWL Machine for Kidney Stone Treatment

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Delta III by Dornier MedTech uses the most clinically proven shock wave technology to treat a broad spectrum of patients and stones. Advanced Urology is one of the only clinics to house this advanced treatment for kidney stones.

  • DELTA III is an effective, non-invasive treatment using the most advanced technology and imaging
  • With DELTA III, patients like comfortably on their back during treatment while the therapy head moves around for easier stone targeting and better treatment position. This feature is unique to Dornier Lithotripters. Other systems often treat with the patient lying uncomfortably facing down
  • DELTA III has an optivision advanced imaging feature which provides clear, sharp images, even in challenging clinical scenarios. The high-quality images provide greater clarity in stone location and better confirmation on fragmentation status.
  • The camera in the DELTA III therapy head helps us ensure maximum energy transmission to the stone for more efficient and effective stone treatment.
  • DELTA III’s dual imaging option allows us to use x-ray, ultrasound or both for accurate, continuous stone targeting.
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IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE

OTHER TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR KIDNEY STONES

URETEROSCOPY AND LASER LITHOTRIPSY

This procedure is done with general anesthesia and there are no cuts or incisions. A telescope (Dornier Axis Single Use Ureteroscope) is placed through the urethra into the bladder and then guided into the ureter or kidney. Stones are then visualized, lasered, basketed, and removed. A stent is placed to help drain the kidney. Patients are sent home same day and generally return in one week for stent removal.

PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROSTOLITHOTOMY (PCNL)

For very large stones over 2.5cm or encompassing the entire kidney, we recommend making a small hole in your back over your kidney. A telescope is placed through the hole and into the kidney where stone is broken up and sucked out of the kidney at the same time. This is a highly effective way to remove large kidney stones or staghorn calculi. This is a hospital based surgery and can not be done the same day or next day.

ADVANCED TECHNIQUES: BETTER OUTCOMES AND LESS SIDE EFFECTS

Advanced technology provides the best outcomes with minimal side effects. We utilize Advanced technology with 3D geospatial mapping to precisely treat BPH. This targeted millimeter accuracy improves outcomes and minimizes side effects such as sexual and urinary dysfunction. Our goal is to fix BPH with the least side effects and the best quality of life outcome.

COMPREHENSIVE CARE

We have ultramodern purpose built facilities to provide all your care. You will have access to multiple fellowship trained urologic oncologists at Advanced with training from the best programs such as Baylor, Memorial Sloan Kettering, and University of Southern California. We have all the expertise in house to help you.