Kidney Stones

Treatment

in Singapore

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are solid deposits containing minerals and salts that accumulate within the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or grow as large as a golf ball. Stones develop when certain substances in your urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become too concentrated. Over time, these minerals crystallise and stick together, forming stones.

What Are the Causes?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing kidney stones:

• Insufficient Water Intake - Dehydration concentrates your urine, making it easier for minerals to crystallise.
• Diet - Consuming foods high in oxalate, sodium and protein can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.
• Obesity - A higher body mass index may make you more prone to kidney stones.
• Family or Personal History of Kidney Stones - Genetics can influence how your body processes minerals, increasing your likelihood of developing stones.

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 a sign of a urinary tract infection caused by a kidney stone.
• Blood in the 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.

What Are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones come in different forms, each with its own causes:

• 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 in Singapore may recommend several tests to confirm the presence of kidney stones:

• Blood testing - Measures calcium and uric acid levels, which can indicate stone formation.
• Urine testing - Collects samples over 24 hours to check for substances that promote stones and for signs of infection or blood.
• Image testing - X-rays, ultrasounds or CT scans reveal the size, location and number of stones.

Possible Complications of Kidney Stones

If not treated in time, kidney stones may result in the following complications:

• High fever and chills
• Infections, such as septicaemia or blood poisoning by bacteria
• Kidney damage or renal scarring
• Kidney failure
• Bladder blockage

Prompt treatment with a kidney stone specialist can prevent these complications.

Available Treatments for Kidney Stones 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:

• Medications - Prescribed to prevent formation of calcium and uric acid stones by controlling urine acidity.
• Surgical Treatment - Used when stones are too large or cause complications:
  1. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - Non-invasive treatment that uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces for easier passage.
  2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - Performed under general anaesthesia for larger stones, using a small incision in the back and a specialised scope to remove stones.
  3. Ureteroscopic Stone Removal - This procedure uses a fibre optic instrument inserted through the bladder and ureter to remove or laser-dissolve stones.

For a detailed consultation and effective treatment for kidney stones in Singapore, visit our urology clinics at Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre and Parkway East Medical Centre.

When to See a Urologist for Kidney Stones

Seek prompt medical review 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 the consultation, your urologist will discuss your symptoms, medical history and previous stone episodes. Tests may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity, including urine and blood tests, as well as imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan to determine the stone's size and location.

Based on the findings, the urologist will explain the diagnosis, discuss appropriate treatment options and provide advice on pain control and prevention. The consultation aims to establish a clear management plan to relieve symptoms, reduce complications and lower the risk of future kidney stones.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

Healthy kidneys are vital for overall wellness. They filter waste, balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce important hormones. Prevent kidney stones with these tips:

Protect your kidney health and prevent conditions like kidney stones by following these preventative tips:

• 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

Get Specialist Kidney Stone Treatment
at Png Urology Clinic

For patients seeking kidney stone treatment in Singapore, consulting an experienced urologist is important for accurate diagnosis and proper care. Our urologist, Dr Damian Png, provides personalised assessment, treatment and guidance on preventing kidney stones. Get in touch to schedule your consultation today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
About Kidney Stones