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Kidney stones

Nephrolithiasis

If kidney stones are causing you pain and discomfort, we can help diagnose and treat them

Request an appointment

About kidney stones

Kidney stones are stone-like lumps that form in the kidney. Sometimes, they can get stuck in the ureter (tube from the kidney to the bladder), causing severe lower back pain and occasional blood in urine. Most stones are small enough to pass naturally in your urine. Bigger kidney stones may require treatment, which we can provide. 

Need to know

  • Symptoms of kidney stones icon plus

    Kidney stones are quite common, usually affecting people aged between 30 and 60. They tend to affect men more than women. Some of the symptoms and signs of kidney stones include:

    • aching in your loin (flank)
    • non-visible blood in your urine
    • infection in your urine
    • ureteric colic (severe pain as a stone passes down from your kidney to your bladder)

    Sometimes, a stone can get close to your bladder. If this happens, your symptoms may include: 

    • a constant need to urinate
    • burning when you pass urine
    • pain at the tip of your penis or urethra (waterpipe)
    • visible blood in your urine

  • Screening and diagnosis icon plus

    To make a kidney stone diagnosis, your consultant will take your medical history and discuss your symptoms with you. They are likely to carry out a CT scan or a renal ultrasound scan may also ask you to carry out urine and bloods tests. If you are diagnosed with kidney stones, HCA UK has the facilities and expertise to help.

  • Potential treatment options icon plus

    We are experts in kidney care and are well-equipped to provide a range of kidney stone treatment options. Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. They might include:

    • Extracorpeal shock wave lithotripsy. This non-invasive treatment uses a high-intensity sound wave to break the kidney stones up into smaller pieces, so you can pass them naturally.
    • Ureteroscopy. This minimally-invasive procedure uses a thin, semi-rigid telescope to find and break up kidney stones.
    • Ureterorenoscopy. This procedure uses a pencil-thin, flexible telescope to find and break up kidney stones.
    • Percutaneous surgery (PCNL). This involves removing larger stones by approaching them through the back, using an X-ray as a guide.
Consultant in theatres

Our consultants

We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion.

Our facilities

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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