Symptoms and signs
- Sudden severe pain in the side or back that may spread to the groin
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Burning or frequent urination
- Pain that comes in waves
See a doctor urgently if
- Fever or shivering with pain suggests infection and needs emergency care
- Being unable to pass urine, or severe pain that does not settle, needs emergency care
- Only one kidney, or kidney problems with stone pain, needs urgent review
If you have a medical emergency, call 112 or go to the nearest hospital. Do not wait for an enquiry reply.
Causes and risk factors
- Not drinking enough water
- Family history of stones
- Diet high in salt or certain foods
- Some medical conditions and medicines
- Repeated urine infections
How a doctor assesses it
A doctor asks about the pain and tests your urine. An ultrasound or CT scan shows the size and position of the stone, and blood tests check kidney function. This decides whether the stone can be watched, treated with medicines, or removed.
Who may need it
Treatment depends on stone size, position, symptoms and kidney health. The urologist decides after tests whether to wait, treat with medicines, or remove the stone.
Treatment options
Fluids and pain relief
Small stones may pass by themselves, with plenty of water and medicines for pain as advised by your doctor.
Medicines to help passage
A doctor may prescribe medicines for selected stones. Do not start any without advice.
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock waves from outside the body break the stone into small pieces that pass in urine.
Ureteroscopy with laser, or PCNL
A thin scope reaches the stone through the urinary passage, or a small cut in the back is used for larger stones. The surgeon chooses based on size and position.
What the procedure involves
Procedures are done under anaesthesia chosen by the team. For ureteroscopy, a thin scope goes through the urinary passage and the stone is broken with a laser or removed. A temporary stent may be placed.
For larger stones, PCNL uses a small cut in the back. You stay for a period decided by your surgeon.
Recovery
- Some pain or blood in the urine for a short time
- Plenty of water, as advised
- A temporary stent may cause discomfort until removed
- Follow-up scans or tests may be advised
- Return urgently for fever or severe pain
Everyone heals differently. Follow your own surgeon's instructions.
Risks
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pieces of stone left behind
- Injury to the ureter or kidney
- Pain from a stent
- Stones forming again
- Risks linked to anaesthesia
Your surgeon will explain which risks matter most for you. No result can be guaranteed.
Cost and payment
The cost of kidney stones treatment depends on your case and cannot be fixed without a medical assessment. These are the main things that change it:
- The method used (SWL, scope with laser or PCNL)
- Tests and scans
- Stent placement and removal
- Length of stay
- The hospital or day-care centre and the room type
- The surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees
- Tests and scans before surgery
- Medicines, dressings and follow-up visits
- Whether you pay in cash, use EMI or claim insurance
Our team explains your options for cash, EMI and insurance, helps you compare packages and handles insurance paperwork. Try the EMI calculator to plan your payments. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
Questions to ask your surgeon
- How big is my stone, and where is it?
- Which treatment do you suggest for my case?
- Will I need a stent?
- How can I stop stones forming again?
- Who will perform my procedure, and how often have they done it?
- What are the risks for me and how are complications handled?
- What is the full cost, in writing, and what does it include?
Check that any doctor is registered, for example on the National Medical Commission register or with the state medical council.
Our step-by-step support
From your first call to your follow-up visits, our team stays with you:
- Our team connects with you. We call you, listen to your concern and understand the exact problem.
- We find the right hospital and doctor. Based on your treatment, we help you shortlist a suitable doctor and hospital.
- Package, cash, EMI or insurance. We explain the package and help you choose between cash, EMI and insurance.
- Doctor consultation arranged. We book your consultation with the doctor and share what to bring.
- Surgery is planned. If surgery is advised, we help plan the date and the steps before it.
- Cab booked for you. We arrange a cab for your hospital visit.
- Papers checked before treatment. We check your documents and reports so nothing is missed on the day.
- Insurance filing handled. We help fill in and follow up your insurance paperwork.
- Care from admission to discharge. We stay in touch through admission, surgery and discharge.
- Free follow-ups and diet plans. After surgery, you get free follow-up consultations and diet plans.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney stones pass without surgery?
Many small stones do, with fluids and medicines as advised. Larger ones often need a procedure.
Does everyone need to drink more water?
Plenty of fluids usually help prevent stones, but people with some medical conditions need individual advice.
Can stones come back?
Yes. Many people have another stone. Fluids, diet and tests to find a cause can help.
Is lithotripsy suitable for everyone?
No. It depends on the stone's size, position and your health. Your urologist will decide.
Can you help with insurance and EMI?
Yes. Our team explains cash, EMI and insurance options and helps with the paperwork. Insurance cover depends on your policy and insurer, and approval cannot be promised.
How do I book a free consultation?
Call or WhatsApp +91 96255 29133, or fill in the form on this page. Our team will contact you the way you choose.
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