Kidney Stone Treatment at Mayo Clinic

Kidney Stone Treatment provides specialized evaluation and management for kidney stones and urinary tract stones. Treatment is selected according to stone size, location, number, symptoms, urinary obstruction, infection risk and the patient's overall health.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost varies according to the stone size and location, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, medications, endoscopic procedures, lithotripsy, surgery, anesthesia, hospitalization and follow-up requirements. A personalized cost estimate can be provided after specialist assessment.

Complete Description

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits that can develop within the urinary system.

They may occur in:

• Kidneys

• Ureters

• Bladder

Small stones may sometimes pass naturally, while larger or obstructing stones may require medical or surgical treatment.

Who May Need Kidney Stone Treatment?

Specialist evaluation may be appropriate for patients with:

• Severe flank or abdominal pain

• Blood in the urine

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Large stones

• Stones causing urinary obstruction

• Stones that do not pass naturally

• Recurrent urinary infections associated with stones

Kidney Stone Evaluation

Assessment may include:

• Medical history

• Physical examination

• Urine testing

• Blood tests

• Ultrasound

• CT scan

• Other imaging when appropriate

Kidney Stone Imaging

Imaging helps determine:

• Stone size

• Stone location

• Number of stones

• Degree of obstruction

• Possible complications

CT or ultrasound may be used depending on the clinical situation.

Medical Kidney Stone Management

Small stones may sometimes be managed with:

• Hydration guidance

• Pain management

• Medication to assist stone passage when appropriate

• Monitoring

The treatment approach depends on the patient's condition.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Selected kidney stones may be treated using shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), which uses focused shock waves to break stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract.

Suitability depends on stone characteristics and specialist assessment.

Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small scope is passed through the urinary tract to reach and treat a stone.

Depending on the case, stones may be:

• Removed

• Broken into smaller fragments

• Treated using specialized energy devices

Kidney Stone Surgery

Larger or complex stones may require surgical treatment.

The appropriate procedure depends on:

• Stone size

• Location

• Composition

• Number of stones

• Urinary anatomy

• Previous treatments

Complex Kidney Stones

Patients with large, multiple or difficult-to-treat stones may require specialized urological evaluation and treatment planning.

Recurrent Kidney Stone Management

Patients with repeated kidney stones may receive evaluation to identify factors contributing to stone formation.

Assessment may include:

• Blood tests

• Urine testing

• Stone analysis

• Dietary assessment

• Medical history

Kidney Stone Prevention

After treatment, specialists may provide individualized recommendations regarding:

• Fluid intake

• Diet

• Salt consumption

• Certain dietary factors

• Medication when appropriate

Prevention strategies depend on the type and cause of the stones.

Kidney Stone Follow-Up

Follow-up may include:

• Imaging

• Urine testing

• Blood tests

• Stone analysis

• Assessment for recurrent stones

Kidney Stone Second Opinion

Patients may seek a kidney stone second opinion regarding:

• Stone treatment

• Need for surgery

• Lithotripsy

• Ureteroscopy

• Complex stones

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Preventive treatment

Relevant imaging and medical records can be reviewed.

International Patient Kidney Stone Treatment

International patients seeking kidney stone treatment in the United States should provide relevant medical documentation whenever available.

Useful records may include:

• CT scans

• Ultrasound reports

• X-rays when available

• Urine test results

• Blood test results

• Previous stone analysis

• Previous treatment reports

• Medication history

Complete documentation can help specialists determine the appropriate treatment pathway.

Benefits of Specialized Kidney Stone Care

Specialized care may help:

• Determine stone size and location

• Identify urinary obstruction

• Select appropriate treatment

• Treat complex stones

• Evaluate minimally invasive options

• Manage recurrent kidney stones

• Develop prevention strategies

• Provide specialist second opinions

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Kidney Stone Treatment?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized urological evaluation and multidisciplinary care for patients with kidney stones and complex urinary tract conditions.

Treatment planning is based on the patient's stone characteristics, symptoms, medical history and overall clinical needs.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Urology consultation

• Imaging

• Laboratory testing

• Medication

• Shock wave lithotripsy

• Ureteroscopy

• Kidney stone surgery

• Anesthesia

• Hospitalization

• Follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate can be requested following specialist assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can kidney stones pass without surgery?

Yes. Some smaller stones may pass naturally with appropriate medical management and monitoring. Larger or obstructing stones may require intervention.

2. What treatments are available for kidney stones?

Depending on the stone, treatment may include observation, medication, shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy or other surgical procedures.

3. Is ureteroscopy a minimally invasive treatment?

Yes. Ureteroscopy uses a small scope inserted through the urinary tract to reach and treat the stone without a traditional external surgical incision.

4. Can kidney stones come back after treatment?

Yes. Kidney stones can recur. Evaluation of stone composition and contributing factors may help develop an individualized prevention strategy.

5. Can international patients receive kidney stone treatment at Mayo Clinic?

International patients may request evaluation and treatment subject to Mayo Clinic's international patient processes, medical requirements and appointment availability.

Product Details

Product Name: Kidney Stone Treatment

Hospital: Mayo Clinic

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Urology

Service Type: Kidney Stone Treatment

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Subject to applicable eligibility and appointment requirements

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, United States