Kidney stones
Nephrolithiasis
If kidney stones are causing you pain and discomfort, we can help diagnose and treat them
About kidney stones
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.
Kidney stones clinic at The Harley Street Clinic
Its staff can offer rapid diagnostic assessment and a complete range of treatment options for kidney stone disease. In addition, the team investigate and treat other urological conditions including urinary infections, obstruction and cancer of the kidneys and ureters.
Our consultants




Our facilities
From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
-
Liver, Bile Duct and Pancreas Unit
The Princess Grace Hospital
42–52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
Request an appointment
Our team can help with any enquiries or you make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.
Call us today
020 7079 4344