Kidney Stones

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can access exceptional care for kidney stones. As a global leader in urology, we are an academic-based, national and international referral site for the most complex and high-risk cases. For more than a century, we have been at the forefront of innovation, research and clinical care for genitourinary (GU) conditions.

Ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for urology according to U.S. News & World Report, Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned specialists is passionate about uncovering the latest diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate, personalized, research-driven treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. In addition, we offer patients a full range of support services, from nutritional guidance to rehabilitative therapies.

When you need care for kidney stones, turn to our dedicated multidisciplinary team for a personalized treatment plan.

Kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate and phosphorus in the urine. These minerals are typically found in urine, and, at average levels, do not cause medical conditions.

Symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Chills
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Constant need to urinate
• Fever
• Inability to urinate
• Nausea
• Pain, lasting only briefly, for a long time or coming and going in waves
• Pain while urinating
• Pink, red or brown blood in your urine, also called hematuria
• Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin
• Vomiting

Kidney stones are diagnosed through a variety of lab tests and advanced imaging techniques.

Lab Tests 
Urinalysis can detect whether the urine contains high levels of minerals that form kidney stones. Urine and blood tests can also help a healthcare professional identify the type of kidney stones that have formed.

Imaging Tests 
Abdominal X-rays show the location of kidney stones in the urinary tract, but not all kidney stones are visible on abdominal X-ray. Computed tomography (CT) scans use advanced X-ray technology to capture images of your urinary tract. These images can show the size and location of the kidney stone(s), whether the stone is obstructing the urinary tract and reveal other conditions that may have caused the stones to develop.

Small kidney stones may pass through your urinary tract without treatment. If you’re able to pass a kidney stone, your physician may ask you to catch the kidney stone in a special container in order to determine its type. Larger kidney stones require removal with one of the following techniques:

• Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy: used to locate kidney stones. Once the stone is detected, the doctor can remove it or break it into smaller pieces. These procedures are performed in the hospital under anesthesia.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A nephroscope is used to locate and remove the kidney stone.
• Shock wave lithotripsy: used to break the kidney stone into small pieces, which then pass through the urinary tract