Kidney Stones
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are crystallised masses which form in the kidneys. They are usually made of calcium oxalate or uric acid, but can also be made of cystine or a combination of different minerals. While they usually develop in the kidneys, kidney stones can appear anywhere along the urinary tract – including the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
At Paradigm Urology, Dr Tony Makris manages kidney stones and has brought a range of surgical approaches to Bendigo. Dr Makris is an internationally-trained leading urologic surgeon with extensive experience in conservative and surgical kidney stone management.
Preventing kidney stones
Kidney stones are heavily influenced by lifestyle factors. As a result, you can decrease your risk of developing them by managing your diet and fluid intake.
Drink plenty of fluids
This increases your urine output, which means your urine is less concentrated and more likely to dissolve the compounds which form kidney stones.
Reduce salt in your diet
Excess sodium in the urine makes it difficult for your body to absorb calcium, which can cause it to build up in the kidneys.
Watch your oxalate consumption
Oxalate is found in many foods and can contribute to developing kidney stones. While cutting it from your diet may not be good for your health, limiting your intake may help prevent kidney stones.
Drink more when you sweat
Loss of water leads to less urine production, which provides less chance for the body to flush waste. This can contribute to build-ups in the kidneys.
Maintain a normal calcium intake
It sounds strange, but eating the recommended amount of calcium is actually helpful in preventing calcium oxalate stone formation. It helps bind the oxalate in the gut before it gets absorbed and ends up in the kidney where it forms stones.
Limit you protein intake
The main source of protein in western style diets is meat, including fish and chicken. The recommended daily intake is a palm size of meat.
Some medications, supplements, health conditions, and surgeries can also impact your risk of developing kidney stones. It’s important to discuss these with Dr Makris at your appointment to ensure you receive adequate support.
Dietary factors play an important role in stone prevention. Our clinical nutritionist, Melanie Makris, will discuss different strategies with you.
How are kidney stones treated?
Many kidney stones can be managed conservatively with strong pain relief medications and an increase in fluids as they are passed naturally. However, some stones are too large to pass through the body unassisted.
At Paradigm Urology, Dr Makris provides a range of interventions to help kidney stones pass or remove them. These include:
Lithotripsy
A shockwave (similar to ultrasound) is used to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass. After this procedure, you will still need to pass the kidney stone naturally.
Ureteroscopy
This surgery involves passing a small telescope through the bladder and up into the kidney to remove the stones. Small stones can be captured and removed using a basket-like tool, and large ones are broken into smaller pieces before being removed.
Tunnel surgery
Also known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy, this surgery involves making a small incision and passing a telescope into the kidney. The telescope is used to break the kidney stone into smaller pieces so it can be surgically removed or passed naturally. This is the preferred approach for large kidney stones.
Dissolution therapy
Some stones such as uric acid stones can be dissolved without requiring surgery. Dr Makris will discuss this option with if the stone is suitable to be dissolved.
Kidney stone procedures
Paradigm Urology performs a range of kidney stones procedures including:
- Percutaneous removal of stones
- Ureteric stent insertion
- Ureteroscopy
- ESWL