Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and When Surgery Is Needed

What are kidney stones and how are they treated in Pune?

Kidney stones (renal calculi) are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. They cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain and, in some cases, require surgical intervention. Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune offers dedicated urology services for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, from conservative management to minimally invasive procedures.

Located at 1160/61, University Road, Shivajinagar, Pune 411005, Deccan Hardikar Hospital is a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality hospital serving patients across Western Maharashtra with five decades of surgical excellence.

What are the 5 most common symptoms of kidney stones?

Kidney stone symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. Small stones may pass without noticeable symptoms, while larger stones can cause significant pain and complications. The five most common symptoms are:

• Severe flank pain: Sharp, cramping pain in the back or side, below the ribs, often radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
• Painful or burning urination: Discomfort when passing urine, sometimes described as a stinging sensation.
• Blood in the urine (haematuria): Urine may appear pink, red, or brown.
• Nausea and vomiting: Often accompanying severe pain episodes.
• Frequent or urgent urination: A persistent urge to urinate, sometimes with only small amounts passed.

Additional warning signs include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever and chills (which may indicate an infection), and difficulty finding a comfortable position due to pain.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis determines the size, number, and position of stones, which directly guides the treatment plan. At Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Pune, the urology team uses a structured diagnostic approach:

Stone composition analysis (if a stone is passed or retrieved) helps guide dietary and medical prevention strategies to reduce recurrence.

Which kidney stone treatment is best — and when is surgery needed?

The appropriate treatment depends on stone size, location, composition, and the severity of symptoms. Most stones smaller than 5 mm pass on their own with adequate hydration and pain management. Larger or obstructing stones require intervention.

Conservative management (stones ≤5 mm):

• High fluid intake (2–3 litres of water per day)
• Pain relief medication as prescribed
• Alpha-blocker medications to relax the ureter and aid stone passage
• Regular monitoring with imaging

Minimally invasive procedures (stones 5–20 mm or symptomatic):

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL / ESWL): External sound waves break the stone into smaller fragments that pass naturally through urine. No incision required.
• Ureteroscopy (URS): A thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone in the ureter or kidney. The stone is fragmented with laser energy and removed.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A small incision in the back allows direct access to the kidney to remove larger stones (typically >20 mm).

Open surgery is rarely required today and is reserved for very complex cases where minimally invasive options are not feasible.

When should you see a urologist for kidney stone pain?

Not every kidney stone requires an emergency visit, but certain signs indicate you should consult a urologist promptly. Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that is severe, unrelenting, or prevents normal activity for more than 24 hours
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) alongside flank or abdominal pain
• Visible blood in the urine lasting more than one or two episodes
• Inability to urinate or a significant reduction in urine output
• Nausea and vomiting that prevents you from staying hydrated
• A known single kidney, or a history of kidney disease or recurrent stones
• No improvement after 4–6 weeks of conservative management

If you are in Pune and experiencing any of the above, the urology team at Deccan Hardikar Hospital, Shivajinagar, can assess your condition and recommend an appropriate course of action. The hospital also provides trauma and emergency care for acute presentations.

Which foods should you avoid if you have kidney stones?

Dietary modification is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence. The right dietary advice depends on the type of stone (calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine), which is why stone composition analysis matters. General guidance includes:

Foods and habits to limit or avoid:

• High-oxalate foods: spinach, nuts, chocolate, tea, and beets (relevant for calcium oxalate stones)
• Excess sodium: increases calcium in urine, promoting stone formation
• Animal protein in large quantities: raises uric acid levels
• Sugary drinks and sodas: associated with higher stone risk
• Vitamin C supplements in high doses: can convert to oxalate in the body

Beneficial habits:

• Drink sufficient water to produce at least 2 litres of urine per day
• Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges contain citrate, which can help prevent certain stone types — consult your urologist before making significant dietary changes
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Follow a balanced diet rather than extreme restriction

How does Deccan Hardikar Hospital support kidney stone patients in Pune?

Deccan Hardikar Hospital in Shivajinagar, Pune, provides structured urology care for kidney stone patients — from initial diagnosis through to minimally invasive treatment and follow-up. As a NABH Pre-Accredited superspeciality hospital with five decades of surgical experience, the hospital combines clinical expertise with patient-centric care and transparent cost structures.

The urology department works alongside the hospital's histopathology laboratory, radiology, and emergency services, enabling coordinated care under one roof. Patients from across Western Maharashtra are referred to Deccan Hardikar Hospital for complex urological cases.

• NABH Pre-Accredited facility (Quality Council of India)
• Dedicated urology speciality with minimally invasive treatment options
• In-house histopathology lab for stone composition analysis
• Emergency and ICU support for acute presentations
• Transparent cost advantage — no hidden charges