How Urologists Help Manage and Treat Kidney Stones

Introduction to Kidney Stones

For some, especially males, kidney stones may not be an unfamiliar term. Common among Singaporean males, kidney stones refer to hard mineral or salt deposits that form within the urinary tract (includes kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra).  

Kidney stones often occur due to a high content of certain minerals that can crystallise to form stones. At the same time, there could be a lack of fluid content in urine that promotes the formation of such stones. In certain cases, the formation of kidney stones can also be influenced by an individual’s medical condition, diet and other factors. 

That said, an individual who is genetically predisposed, dehydrated, obese, or has underlying medical conditions (e.g., digestive diseases) may be more likely to develop kidney stones, among other factors.

Undoubtedly, having a kidney stone can be unbearably painful for some and may lead to serious complications such as kidney infection if not managed properly. In Singapore, minimally invasive kidney stone removal and management services are widely available. Seek help today from a kidney stone specialist to receive appropriate treatment and recovery support.

Role of a Urologist in Kidney Stone Treatment

For kidney stone treatment, patients can consult a urologist for appropriate treatment measures. In Singapore, a urologist refers to a doctor who specialises in the urinary tract system, which includes the kidneys. 

If you find yourself facing some of the common kidney stone symptoms below, and looking for a solution – schedule a consultation with a urologist today:

Common kidney stone symptoms

• Pain along the back, side or groin area that can be severe enough to prevent sitting in a comfortable position
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever or chills, which are common signs of an infection
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Changes in urination – either a change in ease, volume or frequency of urination

In the event that you experience severe symptoms, have them frequently, or notice signs of infection, it is strongly recommended that you promptly consult a urologist.

Diagnosis: How Urologists Identify Kidney Stones

Patients who are coming in for a diagnosis of kidney stones are likely to undergo the following process:

1. To capture a comprehensive view of your condition, your urologist will likely begin evaluation by understanding your medical history and current symptoms. 
2. This will likely be followed by imaging tests to determine the presence of kidney stones, along with further details. 
   1. Typical imaging tests used to diagnose kidney stones include an ultrasound, CT scan or, in rarer cases, X-rays. 
   2. Based on the imaging results, your urologist will be able to pinpoint the exact location of the stones and their properties (e.g., shape, size, composition).
3. To complement the visualisation of the kidney stones, your urologist may also require an urinalysis and blood tests. 
   1. A urinalysis is a type of urine testing in which a sample is collected to test for abnormalities in the urine contents that can indicate the presence of stones.
   2. Similarly, a blood test can be done to identify abnormal substances (minerals like calcium or uric acid) levels that may affect kidney function. 

Treatment Options – How to Remove Kidney Stones in Singapore

Nowadays, kidney stone specialists are equipped with several options to treat various kinds of kidney stones. 

Non-Invasive Treatments

For smaller kidney stones, patients may not necessarily require significant medical intervention. Non-invasive approaches such as waiting for stones to naturally pass are highly likely. To support patient’s comfort, your urologist may provide medication for pain relief during the waiting period and once the stone passes, which can be painful. Additionally, alpha-lockers can be prescribed to relax the ureters and ease the passing of stones with urine. 

More importantly, patients are encouraged to increase hydration to dilute their urine and prevent the formation of future stones. Based on patients’ diagnostic lab results, their urologist may also advise on certain dietary changes to balance any mineral fluctuations if necessary.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

For eligible patients, some kidney stones can be managed through minimally invasive procedures, including:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This procedure involves directing shock waves towards the kidney stones to break it up into smaller pieces, which can pass through the urine. Patients whose kidney stones are smaller than 2cm can opt for this treatment with a high chance of positive results.
  

• Ureteroscopy: An alternative minimally invasive procedure is to use a small telescope into the urinary tract via the urethra to remove stones. When possible, smaller stones can be retrieved as a whole. However, larger stones in the ureter can first be fragmented using laser prior to removal.
  
  

Surgical Treatments for Complex Cases

• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This surgical method has replaced the need for an open surgery to remove stones from the kidney. Through PCNL, larger or stubborn stones that cannot be removed via ESWL or ureteroscopy can be surgically removed via a small cut (1-1.5cm) on the patient’s back.
  
  

Preventing Recurrence: Long-Term Care by Urologists

Experiencing kidney stones once can be dreadful enough, much less a recurrence. A key step to crafting the right preventive measures for each patient is to first understand the type of kidney stones they have. Based on the composition of kidney stones, a urologist will be able to tailor appropriate adjustments for patients in terms of recommended mineral intake. 

Patients who are observed to be dehydrated will also be advised to increase their fluid intake as this is a crucial step to prevent minerals from easily crystallising.

Another key step to prevent stone recurrence is to ensure that patients maintain their follow-up appointments with their urologist after a kidney stone treatment, so that their vitals can be continuously monitored. In this manner, urologists can also adjust their personalised treatment plan for patients accordingly. 

Why Choose a Urologist in Singapore?

If you’re experiencing pain from kidney stones and are considering treatment options for stone removal, book an appointment today with an experienced urologist. In Singapore, urologists are equipped with appropriate diagnostic tools to help deliver an accurate diagnosis for timely treatment of patients’ issues.

In the case of kidney health, kidney stones can be swiftly managed through a series of non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures when applicable. These approaches ensure patients suffer minimal discomfort during their recovery journey. Moreover, clinics such as AARE Urocare offer integrated care for urinary and kidney health to address patients’ needs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can kidney stones come back after treatment?
  • Yes, it is possible. However, this can be prevented through appropriate management with the right urologist.
• Do all kidney stones require surgery?
  • Not all kidney stones require surgery, and it will depend on your specialist’s evaluation.
• How long is the recovery after treatment?
  • Recovery may vary depending on treatment procedures, but generally lasts for days to a few weeks.
• What should I eat to avoid kidney stones?
  • In general, you are highly advised to drink more water. In terms of dietary adjustments, you should consult your urologist for a tailored recommendation based on your latest health status.

References

1. Mayo Clinic. Kidney stones – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755. Accessed July 22, 2025.
2. National Kidney Foundation. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/extracorporeal-shock-wave-lithotripsy-eswl. Accessed July 22, 2025.
3. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Ureteroscopy. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/ureteroscopy. Accessed July 22, 2025.
4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/percutaneous-nephrolithonomy-pcnl. Accessed July 22, 2025.