Kidney Stone Treatment in Plano, TX

Board-certified, Dr. Scott Hassell is a native Texan and an expert urologist in the Plano, TX area. Dr. Hasell’s practice at North Dallas Urology is dedicated to multiple urologic issues, including the diagnoses and treatment of kidney stones.

Dr. Scott Hassell and his team are committed to providing comprehensive care for kidney stones. With over 25 years of experience in both male and female urologic health, Dr. Hassell offers a comprehensive range of effective treatments, including both nonsurgical and surgical options.

If you require urologic testing and treatment, don’t hesitate to reach out to our urology clinic. If you’re experiencing symptoms of kidney stones in the Plano area, contact us today to schedule an appointment. To schedule a consultation at our urology clinic in Plano, TX, please call at (972) 612-8037 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

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What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are formed when high levels of minerals and salt exist in the kidneys, causing a clump of matter. These stones may stay inside the kidney, where they will not cause any further harm.

As long as kidney stones stay in the kidney, they will not cause any further harm and can be passed. Although, the real problem begins when these kidney stones enter the ureter and block urine from traveling through the ureter to the bladder. If kidney stones cause a blockage, it can become very painful and may require surgery by Dr. Hassell if they do not pass on their own.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Other than pain, patients can experience a variety of symptoms such as:

• Persistent need to urinate
• Cloudy or discolored urine, usually pink, red, or brown in color
• Foul-smelling urine
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Fever or chills typically occurs when there is an infection present
• Pain radiating from the lower abdomen and groin, or in the back below the ribs
• Nausea and vomiting

Types of Kidney Stones

Not all kidney stones are the same. Each type of kidney stone will determine the course of action and best treatment option for the patient’s individual case. These types of kidney stones include:

• Calcium stones (most common)
• Uric acid stones
• Struvite stones
• Cystine stones

Kidney Stone Treatment in Plano, TX

The treatment options will depend on the particular type of kidney stone that has developed and whether it has caused a blockage and will need surgery. Although, many of these kidney stones are treated in similar ways.

Most often, kidney stones will come to pass. To help with pain management and other symptoms listed above, you can assist this process by drinking lots of water and taking over-the-counter pain medicine. It can take about four to six weeks for a kidney stone to fully pass. Although four to six weeks may seem like a long time, it is safe to continue trying to pass a kidney stone on your own so long as the pain is manageable and there are no present signs of an infection. If you suspect that there may be an infection spreading within your kidney or ureter, you should seek medical attention immediately and schedule an appointment at Scott Hassell, MD.

Some medications have been shown to help increase the body’s ability to pass kidney stones. These medications provide the kidney stone with ample room to make its way to the bladder, where it will finally exit the body through urination, working by relaxing the ureter. Prescription-strength painkillers may also be necessary depending on each individual case and level of pain.

If the ureter becomes completely blocked and begins to affect kidney function, or if the pain becomes too great surgery may be necessary. Modern technology allows Dr. Hassell to perform this surgery to be minimally invasive with minor recovery time. Call Dr. Hassell today to find out which surgical treatment option for kidney stones is right for you. The most common types of surgery for the removal of kidney stones include:

• Ureteroscopy (URS)
• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Frequently Asked Kidney Stone Questions

How Long Does It Take to Flush Out a Kidney Stone?
Stones smaller than 4 millimeters pass on their own 80 percent of the time. They take an average of 31 days to pass. Stones that are 4–6 mm are more likely to require some sort of treatment, but around 60 percent pass naturally. This takes an average of 45 days.

What Dissolves Kidney Stones Fast?

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps dissolve kidney stones. In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can also decrease any pain caused by the stones. In addition, water and lemon juice can help flush the stones and prevent future kidney stones.

How Will I Know When a Kidney Stone Has Passed?

As stones move into your ureters — the thin tubes that allow urine to pass from your kidneys to your bladder — signs and symptoms can result. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones being passed can include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine.

Which Fruits Are Good for Preventing Kidney Stones?

Citrus fruit, and their juice, can help reduce or block the formation of stones due to naturally occurring citrate. Good sources of citrus include lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.

How Long After Passing a Kidney Stone Does the Pain Stop?
Once it reaches the bladder, the stone typically passes within a few days. However, pain may subside even if the stone is still in the ureter, so it is important to follow up with your doctor if you do not pass the stone within 4-6 weeks.

Can Kidney Stones Grow Bigger?

Kidney stones can start small but can grow larger in size, even filling the inner hollow structures of the kidney. Some stones stay in the kidney, and may not cause any problems.

Is Milk Good for Kidney Stones?

Yes. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and some cheese and oxalate-rich foods are beneficial for preventing kidney stones. This is because oxalate and calcium from the foods are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before entering the kidneys, make it less likely that kidney stones will form.

What Does Passing a Kidney Stone Feel Like for a Woman?

They feel pain in their abdomen, lower back, or groin as the stone passes through the narrow ureter and beyond. That can also cause some gastric discomfort, which is centered in the upper abdomen and can be dull and achy or throbbing pain.