Comprehensive care for kidney stones
Kidney stones affect 3.8 million people each year — and while they’re notoriously painful, most are treatable. From conservative pain management for small stones to ESWL and ureteroscopy for larger ones, our urology team provides the full spectrum of evidence-based kidney stone care.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salt that form inside your kidneys. These minerals come together and crystallize, forming a stone that can vary widely in size — from microscopic to large enough to require intervention.
While kidney stones don’t always have a single definite cause, certain factors can increase your risk. Dehydration is a major contributor — which is why summer months tend to see a rise in cases as people forget to drink enough water in the heat. The good news: most stones can be passed naturally, and our team is equipped with everything from conservative management to advanced procedures for the larger ones.
Four main types of stones
Identifying the type of stone matters — it informs both treatment and prevention strategy.
Calcium Stones
The most common type, formed from calcium oxalate — a naturally occurring substance found in foods and made daily by the liver.
Struvite Stones
Often associated with urinary tract infections. Can grow quickly and become quite large.
Uric Acid Stones
Form in those who don’t drink enough fluids, eat a high-protein diet, or have gout. A particular risk in summer heat.
Cystine Stones
Rare; develop in people with a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids.
Symptoms to watch for
Severe side & back pain
below the ribs
Pain radiating to lower abdomen & groin
Pain in waves —
fluctuating intensity
Pain on urination
Pink, red, or brown urine
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea & vomiting
Persistent urge to urinate
Urinating small amounts
Fever & chills with stone symptoms
If you have fever or chills along with kidney stone symptoms, this can indicate a serious infection that requires immediate medical attention. Don’t wait — go to the emergency department or call your provider right away.
Two paths forward
Treatment depends on the size of the stone and its specific cause. Most small stones pass on their own with supportive care — larger stones may need procedural intervention.
Conservative management
Procedural intervention
Our procedural options
When stones are too large to pass naturally or aren’t responding to conservative treatment, Dr. Gabal offers proven procedures to break them up and remove them.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy
Depending on the size and location of the stone, Dr. Gabal may recommend ESWL — a non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to create strong vibrations that break stones into tiny pieces. The bladder can then easily pass them through urine, with no incisions required.
Ureteroscopy with stent placement
For larger stones, a thin tube (ureteroscope) equipped with a light and camera is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. Once the stone is located, a special tool breaks it into smaller, passable pieces. Because this is slightly more invasive, Dr. Gabal typically places a stent in the ureter to relieve swelling and promote healing afterward.
Preventing future stones
If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re at increased risk of another. These habits help prevent recurrence.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water throughout the day — especially in summer heat
Dietary balance
Watch sodium and animal protein intake; moderate calcium from food
Healthy weight
Obesity is linked to higher kidney stone risk
Identify your type
Stone analysis helps tailor prevention strategy to your specific stone type
Don’t wait through the pain.
If you suspect a kidney stone — especially if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever — schedule an evaluation right away. We’re here to help with both immediate relief and long-term prevention.