Symptoms

A kidney stone usually will not cause any symptoms until it moves around within a kidney, or passes into the tubes connecting the kidneys and the bladder. If it becomes lodged there, it may block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the tubes to spasm. At that point, these signs and symptoms may appear:

• Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs.

• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin.

• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity.

• Pain or burning sensation while urinating.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Pink, red or brown urine.

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

• A persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Fever and chills if an infection is present.

Pain caused by a kidney stone may change as the stone moves through the urinary tract. They may shift to a different location or increase in intensity.

Kidney stone surgery

When is surgery or a procedure needed?

Your urologist may recommend treatment if:

• The stone is too large to pass on its own

• Pain is severe or ongoing despite medication

• Urine flow is blocked by the stone

• Infection develops or you have fever with a stone

• Kidney function is at risk

• Stones keep coming back

Emergency treatment may be needed if you have fever, chills, severe pain, or cannot keep fluids down.

Types of kidney stone procedures

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL or ESWL)

• What it is: Non‑invasive treatment using sound waves to break the stone into tiny pieces

• How it’s done:

  • You lie on a table

  • X‑ray or ultrasound is used to locate the stone

  • Shock waves are aimed at the stone from outside the body

• Afterwards:

  • Stone fragments pass in the urine over days to weeks

  • You may see blood in the urine and feel some discomfort when passing fragments

Best for small to medium stones in the kidney or upper ureter.

Ureteroscopy (URS)

• What it is: A thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney.

• How it’s done:

  • No incision on the skin

  • The urologist sees the stone with a camera

  • A laser is used to break the stone, and pieces may be removed, pulverized into small pieces that will pass, or be sucked out with special instruments.

  • A temporary stent (small soft tube) is often placed in the ureter to keep urine flowing

• Afterwards:

  • Possible burning with urination, urgency, or blood in the urine

  • Stent may cause pressure or discomfort until it is removed

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

• What it is: Minimally invasive surgery for larger or complex kidney stones

• How it’s done:

  • Performed under general anesthesia

  • A small incision is made in the back

  • A nephroscope (small camera) is passed directly into the kidney

  • Stones are broken and removed through the tract

• Afterwards:

  • Usually a short hospital stay (often 1–3 days)

  • A tube may temporarily drain the kidney

Open or robotic surgery

• Less common today

• May be used for very large, complex stones or when other methods are not suitable

• Involves a larger incision and longer recovery

When to see a doctor

Call us if you have any signs and symptoms that worry you.

(815) 937-2122

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Pain so severe that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position.

• Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

• Pain accompanied by fever and chills.

• Blood in your urine.

• Difficulty passing urine.