Conditions

Urinary Stone Disease

When urinary chemicals become out of balance, they can form a group of crystals called a stone that can block the urinary passage. These stones may produce a deep, dull ache in the groin or back, a sharp pain in the abdomen or ribs, or not much pain at all, depending on the kind and location. X-rays or sonograms are effective in identifying these stones.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on size, position, and number of stones. Most stones will pass naturally from your body with regular fluid intake. Other stones are treated with medical therapy. When all other methods have failed, surgery may be necessary, and can include such methods as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy.