Pediatric Kidney Stones

Access exceptional care for pediatric kidney stones at Montefiore Einstein Urology at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM). As a leader in Urology, we are an academic-based 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.

Montefiore Einstein continues to make advances in the diagnosis and treatment of GU conditions. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists is passionate about uncovering diagnostic approaches and treatments that can improve outcomes.

At Montefiore Einstein Urology, you can expect compassionate research-based treatment plans that meet the highest standards for quality and safety. We are committed to ensuring your child will receive the best patient- and family-centered care in a supportive and nurturing environment.

When you want only the best for your child, turn to our dedicated providers who will develop a highly personalized treatment plan.

Kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate and phosphorus in the urine due to:

• Certain prescription medication
• High-sodium diet
• Insufficient fluid intake leading to low urine volume

Certain co-existing conditions may also contribute to developing kidney stones:

• Bowel or gastrointestinal conditions
• Cystinuria, a rare, inherited condition that causes the amino acid cystine to build up in the urine
• Hypercalciuria, a condition where there is too much calcium in the urine
• Hyperoxaluria, a condition where the body produces too much oxalate

Symptoms of kidney stones may include:

• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Constant need to urinate
• Fever and chills
• Inability to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Painful urination
• Pink, red, or brown blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen or groin.

If a child is experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, the urologist may order lab and imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Lab tests include:

• Blood tests to evaluate mineral levels in the blood, monitor kidney health or check for other conditions
• Urinalysis to identify the levels of stone-forming minerals in the urine and to identify signs of infection
• Blood and urine tests to diagnose the type of stones

Imaging tests include:

• Abdominal X-rays to locate the stones in the urinary tract
• Ultrasound imaging to gather further information about the kidney stones and the surrounding area
• Computed tomography (CT) scans to confirm the presence of kidney stones and to more accurately measure their size and location

Kidney stones may resolve naturally when the stone is passed during urination. When the kidney stone cannot be passed on its own, the urologist may recommend one of several minimally invasive surgical techniques to either break the stone into smaller pieces or remove it entirely.

Children with kidney stones are more likely to develop them again in the future. For these patients, prevention is a cornerstone of treatment. This includes drinking adequate fluids and making certain dietary changes to avoid high levels of minerals and salts known to contribute to stone formation. At Montefiore Einstein Urology, our multidisciplinary team of urologists, nephrologists, radiologists, and pediatricians are committed to the expert diagnosis and treatment of pediatric kidney stones. We also work closely with the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Einstein (CHAM), consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation’s leading hospitals in pediatric care.