Kidney stones

Home Kidney stones

Identify, treat and prevent recurrence

Discover the causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention solutions for kidney stones, explained by Dr. Dominique, a specialist in urology.

Introduction

Introduction

Kidney stones are small crystals or stones that form directly in the kidneys . They can remain asymptomatic for a long time or become very painful when they move or migrate into the ureter. Dr. Dominique specializes in the comprehensive management of kidney stones: accurate diagnosis , minimally invasive treatments , and prevention of recurrence . In cases of severe lower back pain, fever, or blood in the urine, an urgent consultation is recommended to avoid complications (infection, obstruction, kidney damage).

Symptoms and warning signs

  • The pain is often sudden, violent, radiating towards the groin or genitals.
  • It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting or agitation. This is one of the most frequent symptoms of kidney stones.
  • The migration of a stone can irritate or injure the urinary tract wall.
  • The urine becomes pinkish, red or brownish — or sometimes blood is only visible in analysis (microscopic hematuria).
  • Stones can be identified in the kidney, ureter, or, more rarely, in the bladder.
  • Localization allows for the adaptation of the treatment strategy.
  • Relapses are frequent.
  • A metabolic assessment is often necessary to understand the origin of the stones and limit relapses.

Expertise in recurrent kidney stones

Diagnosis

  • Description of the pain
  • History of calculations
  • Look for signs of severity (fever, obstruction, infection)
  • Urea/creatinine for kidney function
  • Ionogram / Metabolic Profile
  • Urine culture to detect an infection
  • Search for hematuria
  • Non-contrast CT scan (Uro-CT without contrast): the gold standard examination for kidney stones
  • Renal and bladder ultrasound: particularly useful for pregnant women or to limit radiation exposure.
  • Standard radiography (KUB): still useful for certain types of radiopaque calculi.
  • Intravenous urography / retrograde urography in certain complex cases.

Care and treatment

  • Abundant hydration: promotes natural elimination.
  • Pain relievers / anti-inflammatories: to relieve the attack.
  • Alpha-blockers or medications that facilitate passage: facilitate the progression of the stone in the ureter.
  • Monitoring: possible for stones < 5 mm without complications

Expertise

Kidney stones: how to manage your calcium intake?

Prevention of recurrence (kidney stones)

Prevention is essential, as kidney stones have a high potential for recurrence .

  • Complete metabolic assessment

To analyze risk factors: calciuria, oxaluria, uricosuria, urinary pH, etc.

  • Dietary advice

– Drink ≥ 1.5–2 L of water/day – Reduce salt intake – Moderate animal protein intake – Limit foods rich in oxalates (depending on the type of calculation) – Have a regular intake of calcium (neither excessive nor too low)

  • Specific treatment depending on the type of calculation

(citrates, thiazides, allopurinol, etc.)

  • Regular monitoring

Imaging + urological consultation to check for any changes or new formations.

Why consult a specialist urologist?

  • Establish a reliable diagnosis
  • Choose the most suitable and least invasive treatment
  • To limit complications (pain, infection, obstruction)
  • Perform a precise metabolic assessment
  • Implement a personalized prevention strategy
  • Ensure long-term follow-up

Experience

Kidney stones: should animal protein be limited?

How to prevent the recurrence of urinary stones?

In this video, I explain how to effectively reduce the risk of recurring kidney stones. I share essential daily habits to adopt, mistakes to avoid, and the importance of a metabolic assessment to understand the origin of your stones. My goal: to help you prevent another attack and protect your kidney health in the long term.

Do you suffer from kidney stones?

Dr. Sébastien Dominique provides emergency care for kidney stone attacks and ensures comprehensive follow-up to prevent recurrence. Urology Practice Paris Opéra – Paris 17th Arrondissement. Consultations available in person or via teleconsultation. Book your appointment today.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Should a kidney stone discovered by chance be treated?

Not always. A small, silent kidney stone can often be monitored simply by imaging. Treatment is considered if it grows, becomes painful, gets infected or obstructs the urinary tract, or for certain high-risk professions.

What is the difference between a kidney stone and a ureteral stone?

A kidney stone is located in the cavities of the kidney, where it is often painless. It is its migration into the ureter — the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder — that causes renal colic by blocking the flow of urine.

How are large kidney stones treated?

Stones larger than 2 cm, particularly staghorn calculi, are treated with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): the stone is fragmented and extracted through a small incision in the skin of the back. Flexible laser ureteroscopy is a multi-stage alternative in some cases.

Why analyze the calculation after it has been extracted?

The composition of the kidney stone (calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, cystine, etc.) guides preventive measures: dietary adjustments, urine alkalinization, or specific treatment. This is key to preventing recurrence.

Dr Sébastien Dominique's expertise

Chirurgien Urologue à Paris

Dr Sébastien Dominique

Kidney stones: there are solutions.

Consultation appointment Surgery appointment