Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, are small, hard mineral and acid salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. This common condition affects approximately 20% of the population.

Kidney stones develop when urine components are imbalanced. Common types of stones include calcium, struvite, uric acid and cystine stones. Dehydration can lead to more concentrated urine, promoting crystallisation and stone formation. Other factors include metabolic disorders, kidney diseases, gout, inflammatory bowel disease and certain medications. Often, stones result from multiple factors in susceptible individuals.

Kidney stones are typically expelled in the urine. Small stones might pass unnoticed, but larger stones can be painful. Sometimes the stones can get stuck along the way, presenting symptoms that include: 

• Pain in the sides, often in waves lasting 20–60 minutes, and may spread to the lower abdomen, back and groin
• Bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
• Pain during urination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Fever and chills

Kidney stones may be detected incidentally or upon experiencing symptoms. Diagnostic imaging tests include:

• Abdominal X-ray: Useful for visualising most kidney stones
• Computed tomography (CT) scan
• Ultrasound
• Intravenous Pyelography

Treatment depends on the stone's type, size and location. Options include:

• Conservative management: Increased fluid intake to naturally pass smaller stones.
• Invasive procedures for larger or problematic stones, causing bleeding, kidney damage or recurrent infections. These include Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy, and Percutaneous Nephrolithonomy (PCNL). 
• Stone Prevention Clinic Service: Offers holistic management of complex, recurren, or metabolic stone diseases by NUH renal physicians.

• Associate Professor Edmund Chiong
• Assistant Professor David Consigliere
• Professor Kesavan Esuvaranathan
• Associate Professor Tiong Ho Yee
• Assistant Professor Chua Wei Jin
• Dr Joe Lee King Chien (Li Jingzheng)  
• Dr Wu Qing Hui
• Assistant Professor Benjamin Goh
• Dr Melissa Tay Hui Wen
• Dr Lu Jirong
  
• Dr Kelven Chen
  
• Dr Wang Ziting
  
• Dr Chia Jun Yang