Kidney stones
Symptoms, treatment options and prevention

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys from minerals in urine. Small stones may pass on their own; larger ones can block urine flow and cause severe pain or infection. Hot summers and too little water make stones common in Uttar Pradesh. The urology team at Charak Hospital, Lucknow treats stones with medicines and keyhole procedures, including laser stone removal and PCNL.

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About kidney stones

What are kidney stones?

When urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid can dilute, crystals stick together and form stones. Most are calcium stones; others are uric acid, infection-related or rarer types. Stones can stay in the kidney or move into the ureter (the tube to the bladder), where they often cause pain.

  • Not drinking enough water is the most common cause
  • Family history, diet high in salt and animal protein, obesity and some medical conditions add risk
  • Many people form more stones in future without prevention
  • Stones under about 5 mm often pass on their own
  • A blocked kidney with fever is an emergency

Drink more

Aim for 2.5–3 litres of urine a day.

Pain relief

And medicines to help small stones pass.

Keyhole treatment

Laser or PCNL for larger stones.

Prevention

Diet changes and stone analysis.

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Symptoms

Symptoms

Some stones cause no symptoms. When a stone moves, it can cause:

Severe flank pain

Pain in the side or back below the ribs, coming in waves.

Pain spreading

To the lower abdomen or groin.

Blood in urine

Pink, red or brown urine.

Urinary symptoms

Burning, frequent urge to pass urine.

Nausea and vomiting

With the pain.

Fever with chills

A sign of infection — urgent.

Stone pain with fever and chills, vomiting so you cannot keep fluids down, or passing very little urine needs emergency care. Call 0522-666-4444. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

Tests

Tests find the size, position and type of stone.

Ultrasound

First test, especially in pregnancy and children.

CT KUB (non-contrast)

Most accurate for size and position.

Urine tests

For infection and blood.

Blood tests

Kidney function, calcium and uric acid.

Stone analysis

After a stone is passed or removed, to plan prevention.

Treatment

Treatment options

Treatment depends on stone size, position, symptoms and kidney function.

Waiting for the stone to pass

Small stones in the ureter often pass within a few weeks with pain relief, fluids and a medicine that relaxes the ureter.

Pain relievers as advisedMedicine to help passageStrain urine to catch the stone

Follow-up

  • Scan to confirm the stone has passed

When to return

  • Fever, uncontrolled pain or vomiting
Prevention

Preventing kidney stones

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Fluids

Drink enough water to pass at least 2.5 litres of pale urine a day — more in summer.

Lemon water may help some people.

Diet

Reduce salt, packaged food and excess animal protein.

Do not cut out dietary calcium unless advised; normal calcium intake helps prevent stones.

Stone type

Your diet advice depends on the stone type. Bring any passed stone for analysis.

Contact us urgently if

  • Fever with chills and stone pain
  • Vomiting and unable to drink
  • Passing very little or no urine
  • Uncontrolled pain
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about kidney stones

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“Beer helps flush out stones.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Alcohol dehydrates you and is not a treatment.

Myth

“Avoid all calcium foods.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Normal dietary calcium actually helps prevent common stones.

Myth

“Once removed, stones never return.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Many people form new stones without preventive steps.

Your urology team

Urologists

Dr. Kanishk Dokania, Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon, Charak Hospital Lucknow
Urologist & Kidney Transplant Surgeon

Dr. Kanishk Dokania

MBBS, MS (General Surgery), M.Ch (Urology)

Laser and PCNL stone surgery, prostate surgery, laparoscopic and reconstructive urology, kidney transplant. OPD: Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm.

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Urology Laser stone removal PCNL
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • CT KUB or ultrasound reports
  • Urine and kidney function reports
  • Any stone you have passed
  • Insurance or Ayushman card

Costs & insurance

The cost depends on the procedure (laser URS/RIRS, PCNL or other), whether a stent is used, and the length of stay. Ask our team for a written estimate after your consultation.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Will my stone pass on its own?

Stones smaller than about 5 mm often pass within a few weeks. Larger stones usually need treatment.

Is laser stone surgery done without cuts?

Yes. URS and RIRS reach the stone through the natural urinary passage.

How long is the hospital stay?

Usually a short stay for laser procedures and a few days for PCNL.

Can kidney stones damage the kidney?

A stone that blocks urine flow for a long time, especially with infection, can damage the kidney. Get treated in time.

Is treatment covered by insurance?

Most health insurance policies and Ayushman Bharat cover kidney stone procedures for eligible patients.

Glossary

Words you may hear

UreterThe tube carrying urine from the kidney to the bladder.
CT KUBA CT scan of the kidneys, ureters and bladder.
URS / RIRSLaser stone treatment through the urinary passage.
PCNLPercutaneous nephrolithotomy, keyhole removal of large stones.
DJ stentA thin temporary tube placed in the ureter.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Urology Laser kidney stone removal PCNL Urinary tract infection Health library

Stone pain or a stone on your scan?

Book a urology consultation. Call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Urology and Kidney Transplant, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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