Urinary Stone Management

A urinary stone is a hard mass made primarily of calcium that can develop in the bladder, kidney or ureter. As these stones grow, they can become symptomatic, causing significant pain, a possible infection and an inability to pass urine out of the body. When a urinary stone prevents a kidney from draining properly, this condition is called renal colic – an extremely painful condition that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, chills and fever.

Dr. Wallen is an expert at diagnosing urinary stones via medical imaging studies and resolving them. The following are methods that he employs for managing and/or eliminating urinary stones that are causing significant discomfort:

• NSAID medications to manage pain
• Ureteral stent to bypass the blockage
• Shock wave lithotripsy to destroy the stone with sound waves
• Removal or destruction of small stones via ureteroscope
• Surgical removal
• Endoscopic procedures

If you’ve been referred to a urologist for treatment of a urinary stone, our practice is an excellent place to start. Dr. Wallen will thoroughly evaluate and explain your condition, then discuss possible treatment options with you. He is always mindful of the least-invasive and most-effective therapies that will provide lasting relief for his patients.