Renal stones and endourology
Overview
Renal stones, also known as kidney stones, are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. They develop when substances such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid become too concentrated in the urine and crystallize. Over time, these crystals can grow into stones that may stay in the kidney or move through the urinary tract, sometimes causing severe pain, blood in the urine or infections.
These stones affect 5-10% of Americans and most commonly affect men in their 40s and 50s. While small stones may pass on their own, larger ones often require medical treatment or minimally invasive procedures to remove them and prevent future recurrence.
Typical symptoms include:
- Flank or back pain
- Blood in the urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Causes of renal stones
Kidney stones can develop for several reasons, including:
- High levels of calcium in the urine
- Metabolic disorders
- Dietary factors
- Inherited conditions
Treatment
Kidney stones are highly treatable. Endourology offers a range of minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat kidney stones effectively, often with faster recovery times and less discomfort than traditional surgery.
Our Specialists:
For more information, call the UC Davis Urologic Surgery Clinic at 916-734-2222 or 800-770-6930.