Kidney Stone Treatment & Surgery in Singapore

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts that form within the kidneys. They develop when certain substances in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate or uric acid, become highly concentrated and crystallise.

These stones can range in size from tiny grains to larger deposits that obstruct the urinary tract. While some pass naturally without causing symptoms, others may result in significant pain, infection or urinary blockage.

What Are the Causes of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones can develop due to a combination of dietary, medical and lifestyle factors.

• Insufficient Water Intake - Not drinking enough fluids can lead to concentrated urine, increasing the likelihood of crystal formation.
• Diet - A diet high in sodium, animal protein or oxalate-rich foods may contribute to stone development in susceptible individuals.
• Obesity - Being overweight or obese has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stone formation.
• Family or Personal History - Individuals who have previously had kidney stones or have a family history of the condition may be more likely to develop them again.
• Medical Conditions - Certain conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, recurrent urinary tract infections and some bowel disorders may increase the risk of stone formation.
• Lifestyle Habits - Limited physical activity, inadequate hydration and certain dietary habits can contribute to the development of kidney stones over time.

Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Small kidney stones usually do not cause symptoms and can be easily expelled through the urine. However, larger stones can block the ureter and disrupt urine flow. When this occurs, the following symptoms may develop:

• Pain in the Lower Abdomen and Groin - Pain may come in waves, vary in intensity and radiate to your upper back or sides.
• Nausea and Vomiting - This may arise from the body’s natural response to pain and discomfort from the stone’s movement through the urinary tract.
• Changes in Urination - This can include frequent urges, reduced urine flow or the feeling of incomplete emptying.
• Discoloured or Foul-Smelling Urine - This may cause abnormal urine appearances, such as a change in colour, cloudiness or having a strong and unpleasant odour.
• Fever - Often signs of a urinary tract infection caused by a kidney stone.
• Blood in Urine - Stones may cause small tears in the urinary tract, leading to pink, red or brownish urine.
• Difficulty in Passing Urine - Larger stones can obstruct your urinary tract, making urination painful or challenging.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

While not all kidney stones can be prevented, certain lifestyle measures may help reduce your risk of developing them.

• Maintain regular exercise and a healthy weight
• Limit salt intake
• Consume calcium-rich foods (but not calcium supplements)
• Reduce intake of animal protein
• Limit high-oxalate foods such as black tea, chocolate and spinach
• Avoid sugary drinks and sodas

What Are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?

Understanding the type of kidney stone can help guide treatment and preventive strategies.

• Calcium Oxalate - This is the most common type of kidney stone that forms when calcium combines with oxalate, a natural substance present in certain foods.
• Uric Acid - Develops from high-protein foods containing purines, which increase urine acidity.
• Struvite - Often linked to urinary tract infections, these stones can grow rapidly and may damage the kidneys.
• Cystine - Caused by a rare genetic condition called cystinuria, leading to excess amino acids in the urine.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

A urologist may recommend several tests to confirm the presence of kidney stones:

• Blood Tests - Blood tests may identify elevated calcium, uric acid or other factors associated with stone formation.
• Urine Tests - Urine analysis can detect blood, infection and substances that increase the risk of stone development.
• Imaging Scans - Ultrasound, X-ray or CT imaging may be used to locate stones and assess their size and severity.

Possible Complications of Kidney Stones

Without appropriate treatment, kidney stones can lead to complications including:

• Urinary tract infections
• Persistent pain
• Urinary obstruction
• Kidney damage or scarring
• Reduced kidney function
• Kidney failure in severe cases

Timely assessment and treatment can help reduce the risk of these complications.

Kidney Stones Treatment Options in Singapore

Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on their size, type, and location. Small stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake, but larger or troublesome stones often require medical or surgical care. These include:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - ESWL is a non-invasive procedure that uses focused shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can pass more easily through the urinary tract.
• Ureteroscopic Stone Removal (URS) - URS involves passing a thin scope through the urinary tract to locate and remove stones or break them into smaller pieces using laser technology.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - PCNL is commonly used for larger or more complex kidney stones. The procedure involves accessing the kidney through a small incision in the back to remove stone fragments.
• Medications – In selected cases, medication may be used to relieve symptoms, facilitate stone passage or reduce the risk of future stone formation.

When is Kidney Stone Surgery Needed?

Surgery may be recommended when kidney stones are unlikely to pass naturally or are causing complications.

Common reasons include:

• Large stones that are difficult to pass
• Severe or persistent pain
• Recurrent kidney stones
• Obstruction of urine flow
• Associated urinary tract infection
• Risk of kidney damage
• Failure of conservative treatment measures

A urologist will assess your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach.

Recovery After Kidney Stone Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the type of procedure performed and the complexity of the stone.

• Temporary Discomfort - Mild discomfort, urinary symptoms or blood-tinged urine may occur during the early recovery period.
• Hydration - Drinking adequate fluids supports healing and helps flush remaining stone fragments from the urinary tract.
• Follow-Up Imaging - Additional scans may be arranged to confirm successful stone clearance.
• Returning to Daily Activities - Many patients can resume light activities within a few days following minimally invasive procedures, although recovery timelines differ between treatments.

When to See a Kidney Stone Specialist

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain in the side, back or lower abdomen
• Blood in the urine
• Fever or chills indicating infection
• Nausea or vomiting that does not improve
• Difficulty or pain passing urine
• Stones that are not passing on their own
• Recurrent kidney stones
• Reduced kidney function or a history of kidney disease

What to Expect During Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr Damian Png will discuss your symptoms, medical history and any previous episodes of kidney stones.

Investigations may include blood tests, urine analysis and imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scans to determine the stone's size and location.

Following assessment, a personalised management plan will be developed, including treatment recommendations and guidance on reducing the risk of future stone formation.

Why Choose Our Kidney Stone Specialist in Singapore

• Experienced Kidney Stone Specialist

  Dr Damian Png has more than 20 years of specialist experience managing kidney stone disease and other urological conditions.

• Minimally Invasive Stone Surgery

  He is experienced in minimally invasive stone treatments including ESWL, URS and PCNL.

• Personalised Treatment Planning

  Every treatment plan is tailored according to the patient's symptoms, stone characteristics and overall health.

• Supported by Established Hospital Facilities

  Dr Png consults at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Parkway East Medical Centre, giving patients access to comprehensive diagnostic, surgical and inpatient facilities when required.

Get Specialist Kidney Stone Treatment
at Png Urology Clinic

Seeking treatment for kidney stones? Receive a comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plan from Dr Damian Png. Early treatment can help relieve symptoms, reduce complications and lower the risk of future stone episodes. Schedule a consultation today.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Kidney Stones