The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Kidney Stones

Solid masses formed by the accumulation of minerals and salts in the kidney, potentially causing severe flank pain and urinary tract complications.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Üroloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) occur when minerals and salts that should be excreted in urine crystallize in the kidney, forming solid masses. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common; followed by uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones.

When stones are small (≤4 mm), the vast majority pass spontaneously through the urinary tract. Larger stones can cause obstruction in the ureter, leading to severe pain (renal colic) and kidney damage.

The prevalence of kidney stones in Türkiye is around 10-15%. Incidence increases in summer months due to dehydration. The recurrence rate within 5 years in individuals who have had a stone is approximately 50%.

Symptoms

Sudden-onset, fluctuating severe flank (kidney region) pain
Radiation of pain to the groin and genital area
Blood in urine (hematuria) — visible or microscopic
Nausea and vomiting
Frequent urination and burning during urination (when the stone is at the lower ureter)
Chills and fever (if infection accompanies — emergency)

Risk Factors

Inadequate fluid intake and dehydration
High-salt, high-protein, and oxalate-rich diet
Family history of kidney stones
Hyperparathyroidism and other metabolic disorders
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Obesity and type 2 diabetes
Living in a hot climate

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Severe, uncontrollable flank pain
  • If fever and chills accompany (risk of urosepsis — emergency)
  • Visible blood in urine
  • Any stone in a single-kidney or kidney transplant patient
  • For treatment planning in stones larger than 4 mm

Treatment Methods

01
Medical expulsive therapy (MET): alpha blocker (tamsulosin) + adequate hydration to help small stones pass spontaneously
02
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): breaking the stone with shock waves from outside the body
03
Ureteroscopy (URS) + laser lithotripsy: endoscopic fragmentation of ureteral and kidney stones
04
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL): minimally invasive back-approach surgery for large or complex kidney stones
05
Open or laparoscopic surgery: rare, last resort
06
Metabolic evaluation and diet + medical prophylaxis based on stone type (potassium citrate, allopurinol, etc.)

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Üroloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Üroloji Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Appendicitis

Genel Cerrahi

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix causing severe pain in the lower right abdomen. Early diagnosis and surgical treatment are life-saving.

Inguinal Hernia

Genel Cerrahi

Inguinal hernia is the protrusion of intestine or fat into the inguinal canal due to weakness in the abdominal wall. It can be permanently corrected with surgical treatment.

Umbilical Hernia

Genel Cerrahi

Umbilical hernia manifests as a soft swelling around the navel. While it often resolves spontaneously in infants, surgical treatment may be required in adults.

Gallstones and Cholecystectomy

Genel Cerrahi

Gallstones cause severe pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after fatty meals. They are safely treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Genel Cerrahi

Hemorrhoids result from swelling of the veins in the anus; they present with blood on toilet paper, itching, and pain. Various treatments are available, from lifestyle changes to surgery.

Anal Fissure

Genel Cerrahi

Anal fissure is a tear in the thin skin of the anal canal. It presents with sharp pain and bleeding and can be healed with medical or surgical treatment.

Pilonidal Sinus

Genel Cerrahi

Pilonidal sinus consists of tunnels and tracts prone to chronic infection, formed by hair becoming embedded under the skin in the tailbone area. Surgical treatment provides a permanent solution.

Thyroid Surgery

Genel Cerrahi

Thyroid surgery involves the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland for indications such as benign nodules, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.