Kidney Stones Common Questions
What patients ask about stones that will not pass, stents, and preventing new stones.
Will a kidney stone pass on its own?
It depends. Many small stones pass without treatment, usually within a few weeks. The chance depends mainly on size and position: stones under 5 mm and those lower down the ureter nearer the bladder are the most likely to pass. While waiting, pain is usually controlled with anti-inflammatory painkillers.
When does a kidney stone need urgent attention?
Seek urgent medical help if stone pain comes with a fever, shivering or feeling unwell — this can mean infection behind a blocked kidney, which needs emergency treatment. Also seek help promptly if you cannot control the pain or vomiting, cannot pass urine, or have only one working kidney.
Which stone treatment will I need?
It depends on the size, position and composition of the stone. Shockwave lithotripsy suits smaller stones in the kidney or upper ureter and needs no general anaesthetic. Ureteroscopy with laser handles stones in the ureter and small to medium kidney stones. PCNL is used for large or complex kidney stones, typically over 2 cm.
Why do I need a stent, and why does it feel uncomfortable?
A stent keeps urine draining from the kidney while swelling settles. Most people notice it — needing to pass urine more often or urgently, discomfort in the bladder or side, and some blood in the urine are all common. These symptoms settle once it is removed, usually after one to two weeks. It is important that it is removed or changed on time.
How do I stop getting stones?
Drink enough to pass at least 2.5 litres of urine a day — more in hot weather, which matters in Malaysia. Reduce salt, keep a normal calcium intake from food, moderate animal protein, and eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. If stones keep forming despite this, medication chosen according to the stone type may be recommended.
Have a question about this condition?
Dr Tan consults at SJMC, Kuala Lumpur.