What are Urinary Stones?

Urinary stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that can form in the kidneys, ureters (the tubes that drain urine to the bladder), or the bladder itself. These vary in size—from tiny crystals to larger stones that obstruct urine flow—causing pain and serious complications. Stones are a common urological issue, affecting men and women alike, with prevalence highest among men aged 30 to 60.

Some stones remain asymptomatic while others move and trigger symptoms, increasing the risk of infection or kidney damage if neglected.

Types of Stones

• Kidney Stones: Begin in the kidneys and can migrate into the urinary tract.
• Ureteric Stones: Get lodged in the ureter, often causing intense flank or groin pain (renal colic).
• Bladder Stones: Form in—or settle within—the bladder, often linked to incomplete emptying or obstruction.
• Calcium Stones: Most common, composed of calcium oxalate or phosphate.
• Uric Acid Stones: Linked to dehydration, diets high in proteins, or gout.
• Struvite Stones: Often result from recurring urinary tract infections and can grow rapidly.
• Cystine Stones: Rare and usually due to a genetic condition.

Symptoms You Might Notice

• Sudden, sharp pain in the back, side, abdomen, or groin
• Pain or burning sensation when urinating
• Visible blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent or urgent need to urinate
• Cloudy or unusually strong-smelling urine

Treatment Options Offered by the Urology Institute

At the Urology Institute, Dr. Avikar Singh and his team provide cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments for stones across the urinary tract:

• Medical Treatment & Hydration: Many small stones pass naturally with plenty of fluids and medication to relax the urinary tract.
• Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL): Sound waves break larger stones into tiny fragments that can pass more comfortably.
• Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy: A fine scope navigates through the bladder and ureter; stones are precisely fragmented using holmium or thulium lasers and then gently removed.
• Flexible Ureteroscopy (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery – RIRS): A highly advanced, minimally invasive procedure for stones within the kidney using flexible scopes and laser—no incisions involved.
• Bladder Stone Removal: Endoscopic removal of bladder stones, ensuring high precision and rapid recovery.

Recovery & Preventative Guidance

• Recovery is usually swift—most patients are back to normal activities within days.
• Prevent future stones by:
  • Maintaining 2–3 litres of daily water intake
  • Reducing salt and animal proteins in your diet
  • Adding citrus sources (like lemon juice) for natural citrate
  • Undergoing stone analysis and metabolic assessment to guide long-term prevention

Expert Care You Can Trust

At the helm, Dr. Avikar Singh, equipped with a Diploma in Urological Laparoscopy (IRCAD, Strasbourg) and a Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (UAE), leads the Urology Institute in providing state-of-the-art, minimally invasive therapies for urinary stones at Gateway Hospital, Umhlanga, and beyond in Durban.