Kidney stones are a common problem, affecting approximately 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women by the age of 70. The good thing is that treatments are available and effective, and depend on the size and type of stones, and the amount of pain they cause. (1)


Methods of treating kidney stones

Treatment of kidney stones varies depending on their size and type. Small stones, less than 10 mm, can exit the body spontaneously by drinking large amounts of fluids and taking medications that facilitate their exit, while large stones are treated by breaking them up with shock waves, surgery, or endoscopy depending on their size and location, and the occurrence of any complications. (2)


Self-care measures and medications

Most types of kidney stones are small, and may be the size of a grain of sand or slightly larger, and they can be eliminated in simple ways, such as: (3)


  • Drink a good amount of fluids: About 2-3 liters per day; to help filter urine well, and prevent the formation of large kidney stones.


  • Ureter dilatation medications: It helps relax the muscles of the ureter and facilitates the passage of kidney stones through it. Examples includes:
  • Tamsulosin (Omnic) — Although originally used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, it is also effective in both men and women to widen the ureter and facilitate stone passage.


  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescribed analgesics may be recommended to manage pain while passing the stone.


  • Analgesics: Helps relieve pain as stones pass into urine.


  • Urine alkalinizing agents:
These medications, such as Potassium Citrate or Uralyt-U, help modify the pH of urine to reduce the formation of certain types of stones and aid in dissolving existing ones.


Procedures and surgeries

Sometimes, kidney stones that are large or that have not responded to medications require special medical procedures to break them up and remove them from the body safely. Examples of these procedures include:


1. Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)

This modern, non-surgical technique uses high-energy sound waves to break up kidney stones . into small pieces that can more easily pass with urine over several week.


Shock wave lithotripsy is an appropriate option for kidney stones that are one centimeter (10 mm) or smaller. It can also be used in some cases to treat stones ranging from 10 to 20 mm, depending on the stone's location and hardness. Patients are often allowed to go home on the same day of the procedure and can typically resume their usual activities within two to three days. (1) (4)


2. Ureteroscopy

A thin scope is inserted through the urethra and bladder up into the ureter and kidney, allowing the doctor to see the stone and either remove it or break it into smaller pieces for easier passage. (4)


This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the doctor may place a temporary stent for a few days to facilitate the passage of the stone, depending on their assessment. (4)


3. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

This treatment is considered the best option in the following cases: (2)

  • Kidney stones larger than 2 cm (greater than 20 mm)
  • Complex or extremely hard stones
  • Stones located in the lower pole of the kidney that are difficult to reach using other methods


The procedure is done under general anesthesia. It involves making a small incision—around 1 cm—in the back or side of the body. A nephroscope (thin, tube-like instrument) is inserted through this incision to access the kidney and locate the stone. Then, a specialized tool is passed through the scope to break the stone into small pieces and suction them out. (4)


After the procedure, a drainage tube is usually left in the kidney for a day or more to help remove any remaining urine and stone fragments. Patients may need to stay in the hospital for one or more nights. Most can resume normal activities within one to two weeks. (4)


4. Treatment of hyperparathyroidism

Sometimes, kidney stones can be caused by hyperparathyroidism—a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, often due to a benign tumor or another underlying health issue. This hormone imbalance leads to increased calcium levels in the blood, which can result in stone formation. (3)


In such cases, treatment focuses on addressing the root cause. The doctor may recommend surgery to remove the overactive parathyroid gland (or tumor), or prescribe other treatments based on the underlying condition. This step is especially important for patients whose stones are caused by persistently high calcium levels due to gland overactivity.





At Al-Ahli Hospital, we offer you a combination of advanced medical expertise and the latest global technologies for the efficient and effective treatment of kidney and urinary stones. Our doctors possess exceptional skills, making them the best in Qatar and the Arab world.



Kidney stones prophylaxis

There is always a chance that kidney stones will return after they occur for the first time, so prophylaxis is also an important part of treatment. Among the methods that protect against kidney stones again are the following: (1)


  • Drink plenty of fluids: This is one of the most important ways to prevent kidney stones. Fluids help increase the amount of urine flowing through the kidneys, which reduces the concentration of substances that contribute to stone formation. The best option is to drink water, but other types of fluids can also be consumed, provided you avoid sugary drinks like soda and sports drinks, as they increase the risk of stone formation along with their other negative health effects.


  • Diet modification: Depending on the type of kidney stone and the results of the urinalysis, the doctor may recommend dietary changes to reduce the possibility of new stones forming, such as reducing salt and foods rich in oxalates (okra, spinach, chard, sweet potatoes, nuts, tea, chocolate, and black pepper). (3)


  • Medications: In some cases, the doctor may recommend taking certain medications to prevent the formation of kidney stones in the future. (1)


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