Kidney Stones
North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo treats kidney stones, which are typically formed during the hot summer months because people tend to get relatively dehydrated without realizing it. As a result, the urine made in the kidneys gets concentrated and can lead to the formation of tiny urinary crystals. These crystals are the earliest stages of the kidney stones.
In addition to dehydration, rehydrating with the wrong beverages.... tea (sweetened or unsweetened, caffeinated or decaffeinated) is also a problem. Unfortunately, tea has a lot of minerals called oxalates that turn those crystals into full-fledged kidney stones.
Common symptoms of kidney stones include flank or “side” pain which can be severe, nausea and vomiting, and blood in the urine.
What Do I Do?
When you are suffering from kidney stones, you want prompt evaluation and treatment. If you suddenly experience this type of pain, call (662) 377-7100 during regular business hours and select the “nurse” option.
After hours or on weekends, call Nurse Link at 1-800-882-6274. Calling either number will get you closer to a quick evaluation.
A urologist is available every day to promptly treat kidney stones. Our goal is to help our patients through a very difficult, painful time as efficiently as possible.
Diagnosis
A CT scan is usually performed to determine the size of the stone, the degree of obstruction the stone may be causing, and how far down the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) the stone has progressed.
Treatment
A urologist will determine whether or not the stone is likely to pass on its own. If so, certain medications may be able to help it pass. Medications are also available to help treat the pain, nausea and vomiting.
If the stone is not likely to pass on its own, we offer same-day procedures for stone treatment and removal.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a noninvasive procedure in which urologists use sound waves to break up a stone into smaller pieces that can be passed. In addition, laser lithotripsy directly breaks up the stone, and the stone pieces are removed. Both ESWL and laser lithotripsy are outpatient procedures, so an overnight hospital stay is not necessary.
Prevention
Once a kidney stone is treated effectively, we work hard to determine its cause and educate our patients about ways to prevent future stones. Preventive measures may include change in diet or possibly medications. Unless contraindicated, we suggest drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
