I have kidney stones. What are the details of different types of treatments for kidney stones?
Kidney stone removal depends on the type, size and location. Small stones may often be passed through the urinary tract without any treatment. Whereas larger stones can block the urinary tact and cause significant pain, needing urgent treatment. Urologists can remove kidney stones or break them into small pieces with treatments like Shock wave lithotripsy, Ureteroscopy and Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Analyzing composition of the kidney stones help guide the treatment and prevention strategies.
I cannot give specific medical advice, so don't construe this as "doctor's recommendation," but more GENERALLY, it depends on the type and cause of the stones. A Urologist may be needed if they are too large to pass on their own. To prevent future stones, it depends on stone type but almost always includes increasing fluid intake to at least 2-3 liters a day.