Kidney stones can cause intense pain that comes on fast and often without warning. When you’re in the middle of passing one, you desperately want to know how to get rid of kidney stones.
The answer depends on the size, location, and type of stone. While some pass on their own with time and fluids, others may require medication or medical procedures. Acting early can help you avoid complications like infections, blockages, or lasting kidney damage.
Wondering how to get rid of kidney stones? Here are six ways.
How to Get Rid of Kidney Stones
1. Let it pass naturally (watchful waiting)
If your kidney stone is small, usually under 5 millimeters, there’s a good chance it will pass on its own with time. Your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see approach, especially if the pain is manageable and there are no signs of infection or blockage.
Steps that may help the stone pass more easily are:
- Drink 8 to 12 cups of water a day to flush your system
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve discomfort
- Smaller stones may pass within a few days to a few weeks. You may be instructed to use a urine strainer to catch the stone so it can be tested. You’ll want to follow up with your doctor if symptoms worsen or the stone doesn’t pass.
2. Medications to help it move
Sometimes, your doctor will prescribe medications that relax the muscles in your ureter, making it easier for the stone to pass. This strategy is called medical expulsive therapy (MET). It reduces ureteral spasms and facilitates stone movement for stones less than 10 mm.
The alpha blocker tamsulosin, which helps widen the ureter, is often preferred. This is due to its selective action and the relatively low potential for side effects.
Pain relievers and anti-nausea medication may also be given to keep you comfortable during the passing process.
This option works best when the stone is not too large and hasn’t caused any complications.
3. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
If the stone is too large or painful to pass naturally, your doctor may suggest shock wave therapy. This treatment uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces, which can then pass more easily through the urine.
The SWL procedure is non-invasive and is usually done under light sedation. It is best suited for stones less than 2 cm located in the kidney or upper ureter. A ureteral stent is sometimes placed before or after lithotripsy. This helps ensure that urine and stone fragments can pass freely from the kidney to the bladder.
Following the procedure, you might need to pass the stone fragments over a few days or weeks. SWL is a common first-line procedure for stones that are unable to pass on their own.
4. Ureteroscopy with laser treatment
If the stone is lodged in the ureter or lower part of the kidney, your doctor might recommend a ureteroscopy. In this procedure, a thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to locate and treat the stone.
A laser is used to break the stone into smaller pieces, and sometimes, the fragments are removed directly. A temporary stent may be placed to help urine flow and promote healing. This is typically an outpatient procedure and doesn’t require any incisions.
5. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For large or complex kidney stones, usually larger than 2 cm, a more involved approach may be needed. PCNL is a minimally invasive surgery that allows the doctor to remove stones directly from the kidney.
Instead of going through the urinary tract, the doctor makes a small incision in your back and inserts a thin tube directly into the kidney. Through this channel, instruments are used to break up and remove the stones.
PCNL is typically reserved for cases where other treatments are ineffective. General anesthesia is required, and you may stay in the hospital overnight.
A small incision is made in the back to access the kidney. A scope and instruments are used to break up and remove the stone.
6. Surgical stone removal
Most kidney stones can be treated without traditional surgery.
However, in very rare situations, such as an overly large stone or anatomy challenges, your doctor might recommend open or laparoscopic surgery.
Surgical removal may be needed when:
- Other procedures have failed
- The stone is causing severe obstruction or damage
- Multiple large stones are present
Surgery is usually a last resort, but can be very effective.
Get Help for Kidney Stones
An experienced urologist is the best professional to help you learn how to get rid of kidney stones. They can also help you identify your risk factors or if you have any at all.
Get help for kidney stones – call (541) 334-3350 to schedule an appointment today!