Introduction
Pathri (Kidney Stones) is one of the most common kidney disorders affecting people of all ages. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. While some small stones pass naturally through urine, larger stones can cause severe pain, urinary blockage, infection, and kidney damage if left untreated.
The good news is that with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, most kidney stones can be managed successfully. Treatment depends on the size, location, composition of the stone, and the patient's overall health.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides comprehensive kidney stone evaluation, personalized treatment plans, kidney function assessment, prevention strategies, and long-term kidney care to help patients recover safely and reduce the risk of recurrence.
What Is Pathri (Kidney Stone)?
A kidney stone is a hard mass formed when minerals and salts in urine crystallize and stick together.
Stones may develop in:
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Kidneys
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Ureters
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Bladder
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Urinary tract
The size of a stone can range from tiny crystals to larger stones that may obstruct urine flow.
Types of Kidney Stones
Different types of stones require different treatment approaches.
Calcium Stones
The most common type of kidney stone.
Usually made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate.
Uric Acid Stones
Often seen in people with:
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High uric acid levels
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Gout
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High-protein diets
Struvite Stones
Usually develop following repeated urinary tract infections.
These stones may grow rapidly.
Cystine Stones
A rare type caused by an inherited condition called cystinuria.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Small stones may not cause symptoms until they move into the ureter.
Common symptoms include:
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Severe pain in the lower back or side (flank pain)
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Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin
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Blood in urine
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Burning during urination
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Frequent urge to urinate
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Nausea and vomiting
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Difficulty passing urine
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Restlessness due to severe pain
If fever and chills occur, immediate medical attention is required because infection may be present.
Causes of Kidney Stones
Several factors contribute to stone formation.
Common causes include:
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Inadequate water intake
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High salt intake
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Excess animal protein
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High oxalate foods
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Obesity
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Family history of kidney stones
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Recurrent urinary infections
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Certain metabolic disorders
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Hyperparathyroidism
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Some medications
Identifying the underlying cause helps prevent recurrence.
Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk if you have:
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Previous kidney stones
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Family history
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Diabetes
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Obesity
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Chronic dehydration
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High blood pressure
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Frequent urinary infections
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Certain digestive disorders
How Is Pathri Diagnosed?
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist performs a comprehensive kidney evaluation.
Medical History and Physical Examination
Your doctor reviews:
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Pain pattern
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Previous stone history
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Family history
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Diet
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Water intake
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Current medications
Blood Tests
Important investigations include:
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Serum Creatinine
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Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)
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Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
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Calcium
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Uric Acid
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Electrolytes
These tests assess kidney function and identify contributing factors.
Urine Tests
Urine evaluation helps detect:
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Blood
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Infection
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Crystals
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Stone-forming substances
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Protein
Urine culture may be recommended if infection is suspected.
Imaging Studies
Imaging helps determine:
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Stone size
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Stone location
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Urinary obstruction
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Kidney swelling
Investigations may include:
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Kidney Ultrasound
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Non-contrast CT Scan (CT KUB)
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X-ray in selected cases
Pathri Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stone size, symptoms, and overall kidney health.
Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
Small stones often pass naturally.
Your nephrologist may recommend:
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Adequate hydration (when medically appropriate)
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Pain management
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Medicines to relax the ureter and assist stone passage
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Regular monitoring
Many small stones pass without surgery.
Medical Management
Medicines may be prescribed to:
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Relieve pain
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Reduce ureteric spasm
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Prevent infection
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Prevent recurrence based on stone type
Treatment is individualized according to each patient's condition.
Advanced Kidney Stone Treatment
Larger stones or obstructing stones may require minimally invasive procedures.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
A thin telescope is inserted through the urinary tract to remove or break the stone.
Laser Lithotripsy
Laser energy is used to fragment stones into very small pieces that can pass naturally.
This is one of the most commonly used minimally invasive treatments.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Shock waves are used to break selected kidney stones into smaller fragments.
Not all stones are suitable for ESWL.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Large or complex kidney stones may require PCNL, a minimally invasive procedure performed through a small incision in the back.
Our nephrologist coordinates treatment with experienced urology specialists whenever surgical stone removal is required.
Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?
Yes. Preventive measures include:
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Drinking adequate water unless medically restricted
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Limiting salt intake
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Maintaining a healthy weight
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Eating a balanced diet
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Managing diabetes and blood pressure
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Avoiding excessive animal protein when advised
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Following stone-specific dietary recommendations
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Regular kidney check-ups
Stone analysis helps guide long-term prevention.
Possible Complications
If untreated, kidney stones may cause:
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Severe renal colic
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Urinary tract obstruction
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Kidney infection
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Hydronephrosis
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Reduced kidney function
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Acute kidney injury
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Recurrent stone formation
Early treatment helps prevent these complications.
When Should You Consult a Nephrologist?
Consult a super specialist nephrologist if you experience:
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Severe flank pain
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Blood in urine
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Recurrent kidney stones
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High creatinine levels
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Reduced eGFR
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Frequent urinary infections
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Persistent urinary symptoms
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Known kidney disease
Prompt specialist evaluation helps preserve kidney function.
Why Choose Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic?
Patients trust Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic because we provide:
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Consultation with a super specialist nephrologist
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Comprehensive kidney stone evaluation
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Advanced kidney function testing
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Personalized treatment plans
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Expertise in kidney stones and chronic kidney disease
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Long-term kidney stone prevention strategies
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Coordination for minimally invasive stone removal procedures
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Dialysis planning and kidney transplant evaluation when required
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Compassionate, evidence-based patient care
Our goal is to relieve symptoms, preserve kidney function, and prevent future stone formation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can kidney stones be treated without surgery?
Yes. Many small kidney stones pass naturally with medications, hydration, and medical supervision.
Is laser treatment safe for kidney stones?
Laser lithotripsy is a widely used minimally invasive procedure that effectively breaks stones into smaller fragments.
How long does it take to recover after kidney stone treatment?
Recovery depends on the treatment performed, stone size, and overall health. Many minimally invasive procedures allow faster recovery.
Which doctor treats kidney stones?
A super specialist nephrologist evaluates kidney stones, kidney function, and long-term prevention while coordinating advanced surgical treatment with experienced urology specialists when required.
Conclusion
Pathri (kidney stones) can cause severe pain and urinary problems, but early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can prevent complications and protect kidney health. Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone and may range from medical management to minimally invasive procedures such as laser lithotripsy or PCNL.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, our super specialist nephrologist provides expert diagnosis, comprehensive kidney stone evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and long-term prevention strategies. Through advanced medical care and patient-focused treatment, we help patients recover safely and maintain healthy kidneys.
Book an Appointment Today
If you are experiencing severe back or flank pain, blood in the urine, recurrent kidney stones, urinary blockage, high creatinine levels, reduced eGFR, or symptoms of kidney stones, schedule a consultation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic. Our super specialist nephrologist will evaluate your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve your symptoms and protect your kidney health.
