Relief From Kidney Stones Starts With Expert Care
Kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis or renal calculi, are calcifications that form in the kidneys. These stones can travel down the tubes that drain the kidneys, called the ureters. Larger stones can exceed the thickness of the ureter and cause extreme pain as they squeeze their way down the tubes. Kidney stones can cause sudden, severe pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting and frequent or painful urination.
Nearly 10% of the U.S. population will develop kidney stones in their lifetime. The expert ThedaCare Urology team offers the most advanced options for diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones.
Our Solutions
Your kidney stone treatment starts with understanding your symptoms and the type of stone you have. Our urology experts use advanced diagnostics to find the stone quickly and recommend the best next steps.
We begin with a thorough evaluation to understand the size, location and makeup of the stone. This allows us to tailor your care, whether that means managing symptoms and supporting natural passage, or recommending advanced procedures to remove the stone safely and efficiently.
We also focus on kidney stone prevention. With stone analysis and urine testing, we identify what caused the stone and create a personalized plan to help reduce your risk of future stones.
Treatments
- Active surveillance
- Medical management
- Prevention strategies
- Surgical intervention
Conditions We Treat
- Bladder stones
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis)
- Urethral stones
Diagnostics
- Imaging
- Lab testing and stone analysis
Common Questions About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can be uncomfortable and sometimes overwhelming. This FAQ section is here to help you understand symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options and prevention. If you’re experiencing symptoms or want guidance for your personal situation, our ThedaCare Urology specialists are ready to provide expert care and support.
Kidney stones can lead to sudden, intense pain in the side or back, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting or frequent and uncomfortable urination. Some smaller stones may pass on their own with minimal symptoms, but our ThedaCare Urology team is here to guide you safely through every step of care.
You may be at higher risk for kidney stones if you have a family history of them, don’t drink enough water, eat a diet high in sodium or oxalate, have certain medical conditions such as gout, or have had a kidney stone before. Our ThedaCare Urology team can help you understand your personal risk and create a plan to reduce it.
In some cases, yes. Staying well-hydrated, maintaining a balanced diet and following personalized guidance from your ThedaCare Urology team, based on stone analysis and urine testing, can help lower your risk of developing kidney stones in the future.
