Small kidney stones often pass naturally without treatment
Larger stones, or those causing ongoing symptoms, usually need active treatment to remove them
There are several treatment options, chosen based on the size and location of the stone
Options range from non-invasive shockwave treatment to keyhole surgery
Drinking plenty of fluids helps support both natural passage and recovery after treatment
About Kidney Stone Treatment
Many kidney stones are small enough to pass naturally, helped along by drinking plenty of fluids, taking painkillers as needed, and sometimes a medicine that relaxes the ureter (the tube linking kidney to bladder) to make passing the stone a little easier.
If a stone is too large to pass on its own, or is causing ongoing pain, infection, or other problems, active treatment is usually needed. The right approach depends mainly on the size and location of the stone, and your care team will explain which option is most suitable for your situation.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Kidney Stones · Treatment
Treatment Options
? 5 min readReviewed: March 2024
Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL/ESWL)
This non-invasive treatment uses focused shockwaves, aimed from outside the body, to break the stone into smaller pieces that can then pass naturally in the urine. It's usually carried out as a day procedure without needing a general anaesthetic, though it can be uncomfortable, so painkillers are given beforehand. More than one session is sometimes needed.
Ureteroscopy
This involves passing a thin telescope through the urethra and bladder, up into the ureter or kidney, to locate the stone directly. Once found, it can be broken up using a laser and removed, or left to pass in smaller fragments. It's carried out under general anaesthetic, and a temporary stent is sometimes left in place afterwards to help the kidney drain properly while it heals.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For larger stones, this approach involves a small cut in the back, through which a thin instrument is passed directly into the kidney to break up and remove the stone. It's carried out under general anaesthetic and usually needs a longer hospital stay than the other options.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
Kidney Stones · Recovery
Recovering from Treatment
? 3 min readReviewed: March 2024
What to Expect
Recovery depends on which treatment you've had — shockwave treatment and ureteroscopy generally allow a quick return home and faster recovery, while more invasive procedures like PCNL involve a longer hospital stay. Drinking 2 to 3 litres of fluid a day for about a week afterwards helps flush out any remaining stone fragments and supports healing.
Some blood in the urine is common for a few days after treatment and isn't usually a cause for concern. You'll typically have a follow-up appointment a few weeks later, often including an X-ray, to check the treatment has worked and whether any further sessions or steps are needed.
Page last reviewed: 6 March 2024 · Next review due: 6 March 2027
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