Kidney Stone Removal

What this procedure is

Kidney stone removal is a medical process used to clear away hard mineral deposits, known as stones, that have formed inside the kidneys or the tubes leading to the bladder. While many small stones pass out of the body naturally through urine, larger or more stubborn stones may require help from a healthcare professional.

Your clinician may use several different techniques to address the stones. One common method is Shock Wave Lithotripsy, which uses focused sound waves to break a stone into tiny grains that can be passed more easily. Another option is Ureteroscopy, where a thin, flexible tube with a camera is used to find the stone and break it apart with a laser. For very large stones, a procedure called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy may be used, involving a small opening in the back to reach and remove the stone directly.

What it treats or fixes

This procedure is designed to treat kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own or those causing significant symptoms. When a stone gets stuck, it can block the flow of urine, which often leads to intense pain in the back or side. Removing the stone helps stop this discomfort and allows the urinary system to function properly again.

Beyond pain relief, the procedure helps prevent more serious health issues. A stone that causes a blockage can sometimes lead to a urinary tract infection or cause damage to the kidney over time. By clearing the blockage, your clinician can help protect your kidney function and reduce the risk of future complications.

How common it is & where it's done

Kidney stone removal is a very common set of procedures. Because kidney stones affect millions of people each year, hospitals and surgical centers are well-equipped to handle these treatments. Medical teams perform these procedures frequently, using advanced technology to make the process as smooth as possible.

Most kidney stone treatments are performed in a hospital or an outpatient surgery center. Many of these procedures are considered "same-day," meaning you may be able to return home once the treatment is finished and you have spent a short time in a recovery room. For more involved procedures, such as those for very large stones, your clinician may recommend staying in the hospital for a day or two to monitor your progress.

Recovery: What to Expect

After your procedure, your recovery time depends on the type of treatment you had. Many patients are able to go home the same day. You may feel some mild soreness in your back or side for a few days. Your clinician may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relief or prescribe something to help you stay comfortable.

It is common to see a small amount of blood in your urine (pee) as you heal. You might also have a stent, which is a tiny, flexible tube placed in the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) to help urine flow. This is usually removed in a follow-up visit. Drinking plenty of water helps flush your system and speeds up the healing process.

Risks & Possible Complications

While kidney stone removal is common and generally safe, all procedures have some risks. Your clinician will talk to you about these before the treatment. Possible complications may include:

• Minor bleeding or infection.
• Small pieces of the stone remaining that may need to pass on their own.
• Temporary swelling that makes it harder for urine to flow.

You should contact your care team if you experience a high fever, chills, or pain that gets worse instead of better. They are there to ensure your recovery stays on track and to answer any concerns you have during the healing process.

Outcomes & Long-Term Results

The main goal of treatment is to remove the stone and relieve your symptoms. Most patients feel much better once the stone is gone. In some cases, a second procedure might be needed if the stone was very large or if small fragments remain that do not pass on their own.

To help prevent new stones from forming, your clinician may recommend lifestyle changes. This often includes drinking more water throughout the day and making small changes to your diet. Following these steps can greatly reduce the chance of having another stone in the future.

Emotional Support & Reassurance

It is completely normal to feel a bit anxious before any medical procedure. Remember that these treatments are very common, and your medical team performs them frequently. Their priority is your safety and comfort.

Don't hesitate to ask your clinician any questions you have, no matter how small. Knowing what to expect can help you feel more at ease. Most people find that the relief from stone pain is well worth the short recovery time, and your team is there to support you every step of the way.

Why doctors recommend it

Clinicians often suggest surgery when a kidney stone is too large to pass naturally through the urinary tract (the system that carries urine out of the body). If a stone is larger than a certain size, it may become stuck and cause significant discomfort.

Your doctor may also recommend surgery if:

• The stone is causing severe pain that does not improve with medicine.
• The stone is growing larger over time.
• The stone is blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney.
• You have frequent infections because of the stone.

In some cases, surgery is the preferred choice if other treatments, such as shock wave lithotripsy (using sound waves to break stones), are not likely to work based on the stone's location or hardness.

Urgent vs planned treatment

Many kidney stone procedures are planned ahead of time. This approach allows you and your clinician to choose the best time for the procedure if the stone is not causing an immediate emergency but is unlikely to pass on its own.

Urgent treatment may be necessary if the stone causes a complete blockage. This can lead to a backup of urine that puts stress on the kidney. If a patient develops a fever or signs of infection while having a stone, clinicians often move quickly to clear the blockage and treat the illness.

In some cases, surgery is prioritized if a person only has one working kidney or if stones are blocking both sides at once. These situations require prompt care to ensure the kidneys can continue filtering the blood properly.

Goals of treatment

The main goal of surgery is to make the body "stone-free." This means removing the stone entirely or breaking it into tiny fragments that are small enough to pass without pain. Success is often measured by how much of the stone is cleared and how much relief the patient feels.

Other important goals include:

• Relieving pain: Removing the source of the irritation helps the body return to its normal state.
• Protecting kidney function: Clearing blockages prevents pressure from building up, which keeps the kidneys working correctly.
• Preventing infection: Removing stones that trap bacteria helps reduce the risk of future urinary tract infections.

Who may benefit

Kidney stones are hard objects made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. While many stones pass on their own, surgery might be helpful if a stone is too large to move through the urinary tract. Your clinician may suggest surgery if the stone is causing severe pain that does not go away with standard medicine.

Surgery is also a common choice if the stone is blocking the flow of urine out of the kidney. This blockage can lead to kidney damage or infections if left untreated. If you have a stone that is growing larger or causing frequent urinary tract infections, removal may help protect your long-term health and comfort.

When it may not be the right option

Surgery is not always the first step for every patient. If a stone is very small, your care team might suggest "watchful waiting." This involves drinking plenty of water and taking medicine to see if the stone passes naturally without a procedure.

Your clinician may also decide against surgery if you have certain medical conditions that make anesthesia—the medicine used to put you to sleep—too risky. If a stone is not causing pain, infection, or a blockage, the risks of a procedure might outweigh the benefits. Your doctor will look at your overall health and the size of the stone before making a recommendation.

Questions to ask your care team

It is helpful to bring a list of questions to your appointment to help you feel more comfortable with your decision. You may want to ask:

• What type of procedure do you recommend for my specific stone?
• What are the chances that this surgery will remove the entire stone?
• How long will the recovery take, and when can I return to my normal activities?
• Are there any risks or side effects I should be aware of?
• What can I do after surgery to help prevent new stones from forming?

In the procedure room

When you arrive for your procedure, you will be guided into a specialized room where a team of healthcare professionals will be ready to care for you. The room is equipped with a comfortable table and various monitors to track your health. You may notice specialized imaging equipment, such as X-ray or ultrasound machines, which help the team see the stone clearly during the process.

High-level steps

The specific steps depend on the type of procedure your clinician chooses. Common methods include:

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Using sound waves from outside the body to break the stone into tiny pieces that can pass in your urine.
• Ureteroscopy: Passing a thin, flexible tube with a camera through the urinary tract to find the stone and break it up with a laser.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Making a small incision (cut) in the back to reach the kidney and remove larger stones directly.

In some cases, your clinician may leave a small, flexible tube called a stent in place. This helps the area heal and ensures urine can flow easily while any swelling goes down.

Anesthesia and pain control

Your comfort is a top priority. Most kidney stone procedures are done under general anesthesia, which means you will be in a deep sleep and will not feel anything. In other cases, your clinician may use regional anesthesia to numb the lower half of your body while you remain awake but relaxed. Your care team will discuss which option is safest and most comfortable for you.

Monitoring and safety steps

While the procedure is happening, the medical team constantly monitors your vital signs, including your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. They use real-time imaging to guide their tools precisely to the stone. These safety measures are in place to ensure the procedure goes smoothly and to protect your kidney health.

Immediately after the procedure

After the procedure is finished, you will be moved to a recovery room to wake up. It is normal to feel a bit groggy or sleepy as the anesthesia wears off. You might notice some mild soreness in your side or back, or a feeling of pressure when you need to urinate. If a stent was placed, you might feel a frequent urge to go, which is a common and expected part of the healing process.

Typical procedure length

The length of the procedure depends on the size and location of the stone. Many treatments, like shock wave therapy or ureteroscopy, typically take between 45 minutes and one hour. More involved procedures for very large stones may take two to three hours. Your clinician will provide a more specific timeline based on your individual needs.

Common approaches (open vs minimally invasive)

Your medical team will look at the size, location, and type of your stone to decide the best way to remove it. Most modern treatments are minimally invasive, meaning they use no cuts or very small cuts. These methods usually allow for a faster recovery than traditional surgery.

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): This is a non-invasive procedure. It uses high-energy shock waves from outside the body to break the stone into small pieces, like sand, which you can pass in your urine.
• Ureteroscopy: A doctor inserts a thin, flexible scope through the urethra (the tube where urine exits) to reach the stone. No cuts are made on the skin. A small basket may be used to grab the stone, or a laser may break it up.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is often used for larger stones. The surgeon makes a small cut in your back to insert a tube directly into the kidney to break apart and remove the stone.
• Open Surgery: This is rare today. It involves a larger cut and is usually only chosen for very large stones or complex cases where other methods cannot be used.

Partial vs total

In kidney stone surgery, the terms "partial" or "total" usually relate to how the stone is handled rather than removing the kidney itself. The goal is to clear the urinary tract, but the approach depends on whether the stone can be removed in one piece or must be broken down.

For some smaller stones, a doctor may use a tool to grasp and remove the entire stone at once (total extraction). For larger stones, the plan is often to break the stone into tiny fragments (partial breakdown) using lasers or shock waves. These fragments are then passed naturally or removed through a tube. Removing part of the actual kidney organ is not a standard approach for treating typical kidney stones.

Revision or repeat procedures

Sometimes, one procedure is not enough to fully resolve the issue. If a treatment like shock wave lithotripsy does not break the stone into small enough pieces, your clinician may recommend a second session or a different surgical method to remove the remaining fragments.

Repeat procedures might also be needed if:

• Large stone pieces remain that cannot pass on their own.
• The stone is very hard and resists the initial attempt to break it.
• New stones form later, as having a kidney stone once can increase the chance of developing another one in the future.

Tests and imaging that may be done

Before your procedure, your healthcare team needs to check your overall health and locate the stone precisely. You will likely have standard blood tests and urine tests to ensure you are ready for surgery.

Your clinician may also order imaging tests to see the size and position of the kidney stone. This often includes X-rays or a CT scan, which provides a detailed image of your kidneys.

Medication adjustments

Your doctor will review your current list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements. They will tell you which ones are safe to continue and which ones you should pause before the surgery.

You may be instructed to stop taking aspirin or other blood thinners for a specific time leading up to the procedure. However, it is important to only stop taking prescribed medicines if your clinician specifically instructs you to do so.

Day-before and day-of instructions

• Fasting: You will likely be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery. This is a necessary safety step for anesthesia.
• Transportation: Because you will receive anesthesia (medicine to prevent pain or help you sleep), you cannot drive yourself home. You must arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up after the procedure.
• Arrival: Follow your clinic’s instructions on when to arrive at the hospital or surgery center to allow enough time for check-in and preparation.

General surgical risks

Like any medical procedure, kidney stone removal carries some standard risks. Your care team takes steps to lower these risks and monitors you closely during recovery. General risks associated with surgery and anesthesia include:

• Bleeding: Some bleeding may occur, especially with more invasive procedures.
• Infection: There is a risk of infection at the surgical site or within the urinary tract.
• Anesthesia reactions: Some patients may feel nauseous or have a reaction to the medication used to keep them asleep or numb.

Procedure-specific complications

Different removal methods have specific risks depending on how the stone is accessed. Your clinician will discuss which risks apply to your specific treatment plan.

• Shock wave lithotripsy: This method may cause bruising on the back or abdomen. In some cases, bleeding around the kidney can occur. It is also possible for stone fragments to cause discomfort as they pass.
• Ureteroscopy: Because this involves passing a tool through the urinary tract, there is a chance of injuring the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder).
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Since this surgery involves a small cut in the back, risks include bleeding or injury to the kidney and nearby organs.
• Open surgery: This is rarely done today, but it carries similar risks to PCNL, along with the possibility of a hernia at the incision site.

In some cases, the procedure may not remove the entire stone, and a second treatment might be needed.

How complications are treated

Most complications are treatable and temporary. Your clinician will have a plan to manage issues if they arise.

• Stents: To help with swelling and healing, a small plastic tube called a stent is often placed in the ureter. This keeps the tube open so urine can flow freely while the area heals.
• Medication: Antibiotics are prescribed if an infection develops. Pain relievers help manage discomfort from the surgery or passing stone fragments.
• Monitoring: For more complex surgeries, a hospital stay allows the medical team to watch for signs of bleeding or other issues before you go home.

Pain control medicines

Managing discomfort is a key part of the recovery process. Your clinician may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen. These help reduce swelling and ease the ache in your urinary tract. In some cases, your care team might prescribe stronger medications for a short time if you have more intense pain after the procedure.

You may also be given alpha-blockers. These are medicines that help relax the muscles in your ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). Relaxing these muscles can make it easier for any remaining small stone fragments to pass and can reduce spasms. Your clinician will tailor your pain plan based on your health history and any allergies you may have.

Antibiotics

To help prevent an infection, your clinician may prescribe antibiotics. These are medicines used to kill bacteria. You might receive a dose through an IV (a small tube in your vein) just before the procedure starts, or you may be given pills to take at home afterward.

It is important to take these exactly as directed. Even if you feel fine, finishing the full course of antibiotics helps ensure that any lingering bacteria are fully cleared from your system. If you have a history of drug allergies, be sure to discuss this with your care team so they can choose the safest option for you.

Blood thinners and clot prevention

If you take blood thinners (medicines that prevent blood clots), your clinician will give you specific instructions on how to manage them. Because these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding during surgery, you may be asked to stop taking them several days before your procedure.

Common examples of these medicines include aspirin or other prescription anticoagulants. Your care team will tell you exactly when it is safe to restart these medications after your stone removal. Never stop or change your dose of blood-thinning medication without talking to your clinician first, as they will balance the risk of bleeding with the risk of blood clots.

Emergency warning signs

While serious complications are rare, it is important to know when to get help immediately. The risks of surgery can include blockage of urine flow or injury to nearby organs. You should seek emergency care if you experience:

• Inability to urinate: If you feel the need to go but cannot pass any urine, this may signal a blockage.
• Severe pain: Pain that is extreme and does not get better with your prescribed pain medicine.
• Signs of a blood clot: For more complex surgeries, risks can include blood clots. Seek help for sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.

Call your surgeon or clinic if…

You should contact your healthcare provider if your recovery does not seem to be going as planned. Your clinician can help you decide if you need an appointment or a change in treatment. Call your doctor if you notice:

• Signs of infection: This may include a fever or chills.
• Heavy bleeding: While some pinkish urine can be normal, bright red blood or large clots are concerning.
• Issues with tubes or stents: If you have a temporary stent or drainage tube placed during surgery, call if it moves, falls out, or stops draining.

Expected vs concerning symptoms

Recovery times vary depending on the type of surgery you had. For example, after shock wave lithotripsy, many people resume normal activities in 2 to 3 days. Open surgery may require 4 to 6 weeks of recovery. Knowing what is normal helps reduce anxiety.

• Expected: It is common to feel tired or sore near the incision site or kidney area. If you had a ureteroscopy, you may have a stent that causes mild discomfort until it is removed (usually 4 to 10 days later).
• Concerning: Pain that gets worse instead of better, foul-smelling urine, or redness and swelling around an incision site are not expected. These may be signs of infection or other complications.

Non-surgical treatments

Many kidney stones do not require surgery. Your clinician may first suggest drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps flush the stone through your urinary tract. They may also recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help you stay comfortable while the stone moves.

In some cases, your doctor might prescribe a medication called an alpha-blocker. This medicine helps relax the muscles in your ureter, which is the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder. Relaxing this tube can make it easier and less painful for the stone to pass into the bladder.

Watchful waiting

If your stone is small, your care team may suggest "watchful waiting." This means giving the stone time to pass on its own, which can take anywhere from four to six weeks. During this time, you can usually stay at home and go about your normal activities as long as the pain is manageable.

Your clinician might ask you to strain your urine using a special collection device. This allows you to catch the stone if it passes. Saving the stone is helpful because your doctor can test it to see what it is made of, which helps you and your clinician work together to prevent future stones.

When surgery becomes the best option

While many stones pass naturally, surgery may be necessary if the stone is too large or causes health risks. Your clinician might recommend a procedure if the stone is bigger than 6 millimeters or if it is not moving after several weeks of waiting.

Surgery often becomes the best choice if you experience any of the following:

• Severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication.
• Signs of infection, such as a fever or chills.
• Blockage that stops the flow of urine from the kidney.
• Kidney damage or a risk of long-term harm to the organ.

If the stone is causing a complete blockage or a serious infection, your doctor may decide that waiting is no longer safe and will discuss surgical options to remove the stone quickly and safely.

Hospital services that commonly perform this surgery

Kidney stone removal is typically performed in a hospital's urology department. This specialized area focuses on the health of the urinary tract, including the kidneys and bladder. Depending on the type of procedure your clinician recommends, the surgery may take place in a main operating room or a dedicated outpatient surgical center where you can go home the same day.

During the procedure, the imaging department often provides support by using X-rays or ultrasound to help the doctor locate the stone. Additionally, the anesthesia team works alongside the surgeons to ensure you are comfortable and do not feel pain during the treatment.

Patient resources and support services

Many facilities offer resources to help you understand the process of stone removal. This often includes pre-surgical counseling, where staff explain the specific method being used, such as shock wave therapy or laser treatment. You may also receive information about stents, which are small tubes sometimes placed in the ureter to help urine flow and allow small stone pieces to pass after surgery.

Support services often continue after you leave the hospital. These may include:

• Recovery guides: Instructions on managing activity levels and hydration while you heal.
• Follow-up care: Scheduled visits to check that all stone fragments have cleared the system.
• Prevention education: Information on lifestyle changes that may help reduce the chance of developing future stones.

Questions for choosing where to have surgery

When deciding where to have your procedure, it can be helpful to ask your clinician about the facility's experience and equipment. You may want to use this checklist during your appointment:

• Does the facility have the specific equipment needed for my procedure, such as a lithotripter for shock wave treatment or specialized lasers for breaking up stones?
• Will the procedure be performed as an outpatient service, or should I plan for an overnight stay?
• What is the typical recovery timeline for the specific surgery being recommended for me?
• Who should I contact if I have questions about pain management or symptoms during my recovery at home?

Your clinician can help you choose the setting that is most appropriate for your health needs and the size of the kidney stone being treated.

Conditions commonly treated by this procedure

Kidney stone removal procedures are primarily used to treat nephrolithiasis, which is the medical term for having kidney stones. These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. While some small stones can pass on their own, your clinician may recommend a procedure if the stones are too large or are causing a blockage.

This procedure may also treat stones that have moved into the ureter. The ureter is the narrow tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder. If a stone gets stuck here, it can block the flow of urine and cause significant discomfort or potential health issues.

In some cases, these procedures are used to address stones that are causing repeated urinary tract infections or are growing larger over time. Your clinician may suggest removal to help protect your kidney function and prevent future complications.

Related symptoms people search for

People who need kidney stone removal often experience specific symptoms that lead them to seek medical care. These symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone, but they often include:

• Severe pain: This is often felt in the side, back, or below the ribs. The pain may come in waves and change in intensity.
• Blood in the urine: Also called hematuria, this can make urine look pink, red, or brown.
• Nausea and vomiting: The intense discomfort from a stone can sometimes cause an upset stomach.
• Changes in urination: This may include a persistent need to go, urinating more often than usual, or feeling a burning sensation during urination.

If a stone is associated with an infection, you might also experience fever and chills. Because these symptoms can be related to several different health concerns, it is important to have a clinician evaluate your situation to determine the best course of action.

Evidence overview

Medical professionals use several proven methods to remove kidney stones that are too large to pass on their own or are causing severe symptoms. The goal of these procedures is to break up or remove the stone to relieve pain and prevent infection. While open surgery was used in the past, it is now very rare. Today, clinicians rely on minimally invasive techniques that are supported by medical evidence.

Common procedures include:

• Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL): This uses sound waves to break stones into small pieces that can pass in urine.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin, flexible scope is used to find and remove the stone without any cuts.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This involves a small cut in the back to remove larger stones directly from the kidney.

Safety notes and individualized care

Kidney stone removal is generally considered safe, but all surgeries have some risks. Your clinician will discuss these with you based on your specific health history. Possible risks associated with these procedures may include:

• Bleeding or infection.
• Injury to the ureter (the tube that carries urine) or the kidney.
• Blockage caused by stone fragments getting stuck while passing.

Your treatment plan is individualized. Doctors look at the size, type, and location of the stone to decide which method is safest for you. For example, shock wave therapy may not work well on large stones, while other methods might be better suited for complex cases.

Sources used

The content for this section is based on information from the following source:

• WebMD