Tessa Quinn
Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that form in the urinary tract. They can be extremely painful as they move through and can cause a blockage. In some cases, kidney stones can be treated at home, but if you are experiencing severe pain, difficulty urinating, or signs of infection, you should go to the hospital. At the hospital, you may require medical intervention such as medication or surgery to break up or remove the stone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for hospitalisation | Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, excruciating abdominal pain, sudden changes in urinary patterns, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, burning sensation when urinating, difficulty urinating, or inability to urinate |
| Treatment methods | Ureteroscopy (URS), Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), Uteroscopy, Nephrolithotripsy |
| Surgery requirements | Depending on the size and location of the kidney stones |
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What You'll Learn
When to go to the hospital for kidney stones
Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that form in the urinary tract. They can be extremely painful as they move through the body. The pain is often described as radiating and worsening in waves. While some kidney stones pass out of the body without medical intervention, others require a procedure to break up or remove the stone if it cannot pass on its own or is causing a blockage.
You should go to the hospital or seek medical attention for kidney stone symptoms such as excruciating abdominal pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or sudden changes in urinary patterns. A blockage or an infected stone may cause additional health issues and symptoms, such as nausea and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, you should visit the emergency room immediately as you will likely require medical intervention in the form of medication or surgery.
The treatment you need will depend on the size and type of kidney stone you have. Smaller stones can sometimes be broken up using ultrasound shock waves so that they can be passed in your urine. For larger stones, surgery may be required to break them up and remove them. Ureteroscopy (URS) is a procedure where a ureteroscope (a surgical tool) is inserted without making an incision or cut on the patient, allowing the surgeon to view and break up the stones using a laser. The stones are then carefully removed using a basket-like device. Patients can often return home the same day as the procedure and resume normal activities within 2 to 3 days.
For larger stones or those in more difficult positions, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be necessary. This procedure involves making a small incision in the patient's back or side and inserting a nephroscope (a thin telescopic instrument) to view, break up, and remove the stones. Patients typically stay overnight in the hospital after this procedure and return to normal activities within 1 to 2 weeks.
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Symptoms that require hospitalisation
Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that form in the urinary tract. They can be extremely painful as they move through the body, and in some cases, they may require hospitalisation. While smaller stones may pass through the urinary tract without causing any symptoms, larger stones can get trapped in the ureter, causing a blockage and potentially leading to additional health issues.
- Severe abdominal pain: If you experience intolerable pain in your abdomen that is not relieved by over-the-counter pain medication, it could indicate a larger or more complicated kidney stone. This level of pain may require medical intervention, including medication or surgery.
- Difficulty urinating: If you are unable to urinate or are experiencing a burning sensation or pain when urinating, it could be a sign of a blockage caused by a kidney stone. This symptom often warrants a visit to the emergency room.
- Signs of infection: A high fever (above 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit) coupled with chills and nausea or vomiting can indicate a possible infection. This requires immediate medical attention, as an infected kidney stone can lead to additional health complications.
- Bloody urine: Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, can be a symptom of kidney stones. It may be an indication of trauma or injury to the urinary tract.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine: Urine that appears cloudy or has a strong odour may be a sign of bacteria or an infection. This symptom, along with pink or bloody urine, can be an indicator to seek emergency medical care.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a medical professional as soon as possible. They can provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
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Types of kidney stone surgery
Kidney stones are small, hard clusters of crystals that form in the urinary tract. They can be extremely painful, but they often pass without medical intervention. However, if a kidney stone is too large to pass, has become stuck in the drainage tube (ureter), or is causing a blockage, surgery may be required.
There are four main types of kidney stone surgery: percutaneous nephrolithotomy, nephrolithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and shockwave lithotripsy. Doctors only recommend the more invasive open surgery when other procedures are not suitable.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This procedure is typically used for larger or more difficult-to-access stones. A nephroscope (a small fibre-optic camera) is inserted via a small incision in the patient's back or side to view, break up, and remove the stones. Patients usually stay in the hospital overnight and return to normal activities within one to two weeks.
- Nephrolithotripsy: This procedure involves breaking down kidney stones with sound waves and removing the fragments with a suction device.
- Ureteroscopy: This procedure is often used for smaller stones. A ureteroscope (a small telescope with a laser fibre) is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the kidney stone. The laser breaks the stone into fragments, which are then removed. Patients typically stay in the hospital overnight and can resume normal activities within two to three days.
- Shockwave lithotripsy: This is the least invasive procedure and is usually an outpatient procedure. It uses targeted sound waves and sometimes X-rays to break down kidney stones. General anaesthesia or sedation is administered, and additional treatments may be required if all stones are not removed.
The best surgical option depends on the type and severity of the condition, the patient's general health, and the surgeon's skills. All stone surgeries carry common risks, including bleeding, infection, and injury to urologic or adjacent organs.
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What to expect after surgery
Yes, you may need to be hospitalised for kidney stones. Whether or not you need to be hospitalised depends on the size and location of the stone, and the type of surgery performed.
After the procedure, you will likely spend some time in the recovery room under observation. Your healthcare team will monitor your vital signs, pain levels, and any immediate complications. You may experience some discomfort or pain, which can be managed with medication prescribed by your doctor. Depending on the type of surgery performed and your overall health condition, you may need to stay in the hospital for observation and further treatment.
Returning Home
You will need to rest after you get home. Sitting may be uncomfortable for several days, so it is important to increase your level of activity gradually. You should also avoid strenuous activity while your urine is blood-tinged. It is normal to have a small amount of blood in your urine in the days and weeks following surgery. It may be pink, reddish, or brown. If the bleeding increases, you should contact your doctor or go to the emergency department.
Dietary Changes
Your doctor may provide dietary recommendations to prevent the recurrence of kidney stones. This may include reducing your intake of foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, and increasing your consumption of calcium-rich foods. Staying hydrated is vital for kidney stone patients, especially after surgery. Your doctor may recommend increasing your water intake and avoiding sugary or fizzy drinks.
Follow-up Appointments
Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are essential for monitoring your recovery progress and addressing any concerns or complications that may arise. Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or CT scans, to evaluate the effectiveness of the surgery and ensure that no residual stones are present.
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Preventing kidney stones
Kidney stones are small, hard crystals that form in the urinary tract. They can be extremely painful as they move through and can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fever. In some cases, they may require medical intervention, such as medication or surgery.
To prevent kidney stones from forming, it is recommended to make adjustments to your diet and lifestyle. Here are some ways to prevent kidney stones:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for preventing kidney stones. Aim for around eight glasses of fluids daily, which is approximately two liters. Adequate hydration dilutes the substances in urine that lead to stone formation and ensures a sufficient urine output to dissolve urine salts.
- Include citrus juices: Beverages like lemonade and orange juice contain citrate, which helps prevent stone formation by making urine less acidic. However, be cautious of the sugar content in these juices, and consider mixing lemon juice concentrate with water as an alternative.
- Consume calcium-rich foods: Dietary calcium binds to oxalate in the intestines, reducing the amount absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys. This lowers the concentration of oxalate in the urine, decreasing the likelihood of it binding to urinary calcium and forming stones.
- Limit sodium intake: A high-sodium diet increases the amount of calcium in your urine, triggering the formation of kidney stones. Reduce your sodium intake by opting for low-sodium alternatives and reading food labels carefully.
- Reduce animal protein consumption: Eating excessive amounts of animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood, is associated with a higher risk of kidney stones. If you are prone to stones, limit your daily meat intake to a portion no larger than a deck of playing cards.
- Avoid stone-forming foods: Certain foods, such as beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, tea, and most nuts, are rich in oxalate. If you form calcium oxalate stones, consider limiting or reducing your consumption of these foods.
- Limit sugar and alcohol: Sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, can contribute to kidney stone formation. Additionally, alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood, making it easier for uric acid stones to develop.
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Frequently asked questions
Hospitalization is usually required for kidney stone treatment if the stones are too big to pass naturally.
The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in the lower back, belly, or side. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and blood in the urine.
If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, chills, or sudden changes in urinary patterns, you should go to the hospital as these could be signs of a blockage or infection caused by the kidney stones.
The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and location of the stones. Smaller stones may not require any treatment and can pass naturally through urination. For larger stones, surgery may be required to break up or remove the stones.
To prevent kidney stones, it is important to stay hydrated and reduce the intake of salty foods and sweetened beverages. Maintaining a healthy weight and seeking guidance from a registered dietitian can also help lower the risk of kidney stone formation.
