Kidney Stones (Renal & Ureteral)
Diagnosis & Minimally Invasive Treatment · Tustin & Santa Ana, CA

Fast relief. Minimally invasive treatment. Lasting prevention.

Kidney and ureteral stones affect roughly 1 in 10 people in their lifetime — and the sudden, severe pain they cause is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency urologic care. Prestige Medical Group offers the full range of stone treatment, from same-day symptom relief to advanced surgical stone removal.

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Board-certified urology
Same-week evaluation
Minimally invasive options
17-time Top Doctor practice
In Pain Right Now? We Offer Urgent Stone Evaluations Call (949) 825-7650 →
1 in 10
People affected in their lifetime
50%
Recurrence risk within 5–10 years
4
Minimally invasive treatments offered
Same-Day
Options for many procedures
Understanding Kidney & Ureteral Stones

Hard mineral deposits — and how they cause pain

Kidney stones (renal calculi) form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize into hard deposits. A stone that stays in the kidney may cause no symptoms at all — but when it moves into the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, it can block urine flow and trigger sudden, severe pain known as renal colic.

Not every stone requires surgery. Small stones often pass on their own with hydration and pain management, while larger or obstructing stones typically need one of several minimally invasive procedures to break up or remove them.

Renal Colic
Sudden, severe flank or lower-back pain that often radiates toward the groin, typically coming in waves.
Blood in the Urine
Visible or microscopic hematuria is one of the most common signs of a stone moving through the urinary tract.
Urinary Changes
Urgency, frequency, or a burning sensation with urination, sometimes accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Experiencing severe pain, fever, or an inability to urinate? These can be signs of an obstructing stone with infection, which requires prompt medical attention. Call our office or seek emergency care if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Treatment Options

Matched to your stone, and your symptoms

The right approach depends on stone size, location, and composition — our team will walk you through which option fits your situation.

ESWL Shockwave Lithotripsy
Non-invasive external shockwaves fragment smaller kidney stones into pieces small enough to pass naturally — no incisions, outpatient procedure.
Dr. GabalLearn more →
Ureteroscopy
Scope-based stone removal through the natural urinary tract, often combined with laser lithotripsy to fragment stones for extraction.
Dr. GabalLearn more →
 ★ Featured
PCNL Kidney Stone Surgery
Gold-standard minimally invasive treatment for large (>2cm) or complex staghorn kidney stones — the highest stone-free rate of any approach.
Dr. SawkarLearn more →
Ureteral Stent Placement
Placement of a small tube to maintain urinary drainage around an obstructing stone — often used to relieve symptoms before or after definitive treatment.
Dr. GabalLearn more →
Your Care Pathway

What to expect

Every stone patient at Prestige Medical Group follows a clear, supported path — from first pain through resolution.

01

Evaluation

Imaging (CT or ultrasound) and urine testing confirm the stone’s size, location, and likely composition.

02

Symptom Relief

Pain management and, if needed, a stent to relieve obstruction while a treatment plan is finalized.

03

Stone Treatment

The right procedure for your stone — from shockwave therapy to surgical removal — is scheduled and performed.

04

Prevention

Stone analysis and personalized lifestyle guidance to reduce your risk of forming another stone.

Reducing Your Risk

Preventing future stones

Nearly half of stone formers will develop another stone within 5–10 years — these habits meaningfully lower that risk.

Stay Hydrated
Adequate fluid intake is the single most effective way to reduce stone recurrence.
Dietary Adjustments
Sodium, animal protein, and oxalate intake can all influence stone formation depending on your stone type.
Stone Analysis
Identifying your specific stone composition helps target prevention to what’s actually driving your risk.
Follow-Up Monitoring
Periodic imaging can catch new stones early, before they cause an obstruction or acute pain.
Meet Your Care Team

Expertise in minimally invasive stone surgery

Complex or recurrent stone disease benefits from focused surgical experience and advanced technology.

Dr. Hari Sawkar, MD

Board-Certified Urologic Surgeon · Stone Disease

Dr. Sawkar brings a rare combination of biomedical engineering rigor and precision surgical training — Northwestern medical school, USC urology residency. His clinical expertise spans urinary tract stone disease, minimally invasive stone surgery, and ureteroscopy, alongside robotic urologic oncology.

Kidney Stones Minimally Invasive Stone Surgery Ureteroscopy PCNL
View Full Profile →
Common Questions

Kidney & ureteral stone questions answered

Have a question not answered here? Call (949) 825-7650 to speak with our team.

Will my stone pass on its own?
Many stones, especially those smaller than 5mm, pass on their own with hydration and pain management. Larger stones, or stones causing significant obstruction or infection, typically need active treatment. Your provider will use imaging to help predict the likelihood of spontaneous passage.
What’s the difference between ESWL, ureteroscopy, and PCNL?
ESWL uses external shockwaves and is best for smaller stones. Ureteroscopy uses a scope passed through the natural urinary tract, often with laser fragmentation, for small to medium stones. PCNL is a more involved procedure reserved for large or complex stones, offering the highest stone-free rate. Your provider will recommend the option matched to your stone’s size, location, and composition.
How urgently should I be seen if I’m in pain?
If you’re experiencing sudden, severe flank pain, we offer same-week evaluations. If your pain is accompanied by fever, chills, or an inability to urinate, these may signal an infected obstructed stone and require urgent or emergency care — please call our office or seek emergency evaluation right away.
Will I need a stent, and is it uncomfortable?
A ureteral stent is sometimes placed to relieve obstruction and protect kidney function before or after stone treatment. Some patients notice urinary urgency or mild discomfort while a stent is in place — this is temporary and resolves once the stent is removed, typically within one to two weeks.
How can I prevent another kidney stone?
Prevention is individualized based on your stone’s composition. Adequate hydration, targeted dietary changes, and — for recurrent stone formers — metabolic evaluation can meaningfully reduce your risk of forming another stone. Your provider will discuss a personalized prevention plan after your treatment.
Do you accept insurance for kidney stone treatment?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and Medicare for medically necessary stone evaluation and treatment. Our team helps verify your specific benefits during the consultation process.

In pain from a kidney or ureteral stone?

Whether you’re in the middle of an acute episode or managing recurrent stones, our team offers fast evaluation and the full range of treatment options to get you relief.

Request a Consultation (949) 825-7650