Understanding Kidney Stones: When to Seek Care
1/20/2025
Kidney stones can be an incredibly painful experience. According to Dr. Tyler Wood, a urologist and independent provider on the medical staff at Crestwood Medical Center, kidney stones are among the most common conditions treated by a urologist.
Symptoms and When to Visit the Emergency Department
Kidney stones often present with severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty urinating. Dr. Wood emphasizes the importance of seeking prompt care if you suspect a kidney stone. “We want you to be able to get to the Crestwood Medical Center emergency department or a emergency department near you, as soon as you can. The ER doctors can get your pain and nausea under control.”
Diagnostic Tools to Assess Kidney Stones
Once you arrive at the emergency department, the medical team will take steps to identify the size, location, and impact of the kidney stone. This process typically involves a CT scan, which provides detailed imaging of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
“A CT scan is essential to really evaluate the kidneys and the ureters all the way down to the bladder,” Dr. Wood explains. “It helps us determine the best approach to care.”
Treatment Options: From Symptom Management to Surgery
While many kidney stones can pass on their own, treatment plans depend on factors such as the stone’s location, size, and the patient’s overall condition.
“A lot of men and women can pass those stones without needing surgery,” said Dr. Wood. “It really depends on location, size, and clinically how the patient is doing.”
For smaller stones, symptom management, hydration, and medication may be sufficient to help the stone pass naturally. In cases where the stone is too large or causing significant complications, procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy or minimally invasive surgery might be necessary.
Knowledgeable Care Every Step of the Way
At Crestwood Medical Center, the care team can help you navigate the challenges of kidney stones. From effective pain management to precise diagnostic imaging and treatment planning, our goal is to support patients through every stage of their care.
Back