Kidney Stones – PIL1588 version 1

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.

These ‘stones’ might be as small as a grain of sand, or as large as a pea. A small kidney stone can be passed in your urine without causing an issue.

However, if a kidney stone gets stuck somewhere along the way it can cause pain, and can also stop you from passing urine.

If kidney stones are left untreated you could develop a serious infection, or damage to your kidneys which can lead to longer term health problems.

How do your kidneys work?

The kidneys are two organs in your abdomen (tummy). They sit just inside your rib cage. The kidneys are shaped like a bean and are each about the size of your fist. The kidneys are responsible for cleaning and filtering your blood. From this process they remove waste products when filtering, and this produces urine. The urine is transferred to your bladder by two tubes called the ureters.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Very small kidney stones are unlikely to cause many symptoms. They may even go undetected and pass out painlessly when you pee.

Larger kidney stones can cause symptoms including;

• Pain in the side of your tummy or groin – men can have pain in their testicles too.
• A high temperature.
• Feeling sweaty.
• Severe pain.
• Feeling sick or vomiting.
• Visible or non-visible blood in your urine. Non-visible blood can be found by medical staff when doing a test of your urine.
• Urine infection.
• A feeling of having a full bladder constantly. This can be caused if the kidney stone gets near to the bladder.
• Burning or stinging when you pass urine.

What tests will I need?

• Urine dipstick test – to check for blood and infection.
• Blood test – to check how well your kidneys are working.
• CT scan – to look at your kidneys and abdomen to see whether there is a stone, its location and its size.

Will I need to stay in hospital?

Based on the results of the tests and the severity of your pain we may suggest you stay in the hospital.

If your kidneys are not functioning properly or if the kidney stone is too large to pass on its own you might need further treatment, and possibly surgery. This will be explained to you by the doctors and nurses when they tell you about needing to stay in hospital.

How are kidney stones treated?

Most kidney stones, especially smaller ones, normally pass on their own over a few days.

Some larger stones may not pass on their own and may require an operation. This depends on several things, including your general health. The doctors and nurses looking after you will talk to you about this in detail.

If you do need an operation it might not be straight away. You might be given medication to help manage your symptoms at home and come back to the hospital for your operation another time. Again, this will be discussed with you in detail.

We will include you in the decision-making process and create a plan that is as suitable as possible for your individual needs and wishes.

I was discharged home before the kidney stone has passed. What should I look out for?

If you feel like you are developing a fever or other signs of infection, or if you have very bad pain, you should come back to the hospital. We will then do further tests to see what is best to do next.

Will I need any follow-up?

When you are getting ready to be discharged we will provide you with the relevant details about your follow-up appointment. You will also receive a letter by post and a phone call from the Urology team to confirm your appointment.

We will also let you know if you need any further tests or scans at the time of your appointment.

We will do everything possible to help you with any special needs or requirements for your appointment.

What pain relief can I take?

It is important to take regular pain relief so that you keep your pain under control and you can move around. This will increase the chances of the stone passing naturally.

You will be given some pain relief from the hospital to help with your symptoms. While you take this pain relief it is important to follow the instructions on the packaging closely, and to not take more of the medication than is allowed.

How can I reduce the chances of this happening again?

The following information is only for advice and is not a strict diet that you must follow. You can make your own choices about your diet but these tips may help.

However if you are already on a certain type of diet for another health condition please speak to the Urology team who can help you with more specific advice.

• Drink plenty of fluids – This is the most effective way of reducing your risk of forming a kidney stone.
  Aim for 2-3 litres per day. This can include tea and coffee, although water is best. Your urine should be pale yellow if you are drinking enough fluids.
  If you have been told to limit your fluid intake (e.g. due to heart failure) please discuss this with the Urology team or your GP.
• Reduce your sugar intake – Sugary drinks, fruit juice, and strong alcoholic drinks increase the chance of developing another kidney stone.
• Reduce your salt intake – Consuming lots of salt increases your risk of kidney stone formation. We would recommend only up to one teaspoonful a day (5 to 6g).
• Avoid high dose vitamin C tablets – These can cause your body to produce more of the substance (oxalate) that forms kidney stones. If you are prescribed vitamin tablets you should discuss this with your GP.
• Make sure you have enough calcium in your diet – Calcium helps neutralise one of the substances that forms kidney stones, which reduces the chance of new stones forming.
  We recommend you consume around 3 portions of calcium daily. One glass of milk or one pot of yoghurt is equivalent to one portion.
  Consuming too much calcium can also increase your risk of stone formation.
  Please speak to your GP if you are prescribed calcium tablets.

Further information

If you would like more advice and information about your diet and preventing any recurrence of kidney stones, the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) have a leaflet with more information available. You can access it by clicking the link: http://rb.gy/2dm5h

You can also find more information from the NHS website by visiting www.nhs.uk

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