Condition
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are common and often extremely painful, but modern minimally invasive treatments mean most patients recover quickly with no external cuts.
Overview
What is this condition?
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can move into the ureter — the tube carrying urine to the bladder. This can cause severe pain, infection or blockage.
Treatment depends on the size, position and composition of the stone, as well as your kidney anatomy and general health.
Common symptoms
Symptoms to be aware of
Symptoms vary from person to person. Specialist assessment helps determine the underlying cause.
Severe loin-to-groin pain
Classic 'renal colic'.
Blood in the urine
Nausea and vomiting
Urinary urgency and frequency
Fever
Suggests infection — urgent assessment.
Recurrent urinary infections
Possible causes
What can cause it
Dehydration
The single most important modifiable factor.
Diet
High salt, animal protein and oxalate can predispose to stones.
Family history
Genetics can influence stone formation.
Metabolic disorders
Conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, gout or cystinuria.
Recurrent infections
Certain bacteria can promote struvite stones.
Many causes are benign and highly treatable. A structured consultant-led assessment is the fastest way to reach a clear diagnosis and a personalised plan.
When to seek medical advice
Some symptoms should always prompt prompt specialist review. Please seek urgent medical advice — through your GP, NHS 111 or A&E — if you notice any of the following.
- Fever with loin pain (infected, obstructed kidney is a urological emergency)
- Inability to pass urine
- Persistent vomiting
- Severe pain not controlled with simple analgesia
- Only one functioning kidney with new colic
Diagnosis
How the diagnosis is made
Diagnosis follows a clear, patient-centred pathway — often completed within one or two visits.
- 01
Medical history
Previous stones, diet, medications and family history.
- 02
Examination
Abdominal and flank examination.
- 03
Urine tests
Dipstick, culture and — where indicated — 24-hour metabolic urine studies.
- 04
Blood tests
Kidney function, calcium and uric acid.
- 05
CT KUB
Low-dose CT is the gold-standard scan for kidney and ureteric stones.
- 06
Stone analysis
Where possible, passed or retrieved stones are analysed to guide prevention.
Treatment options
Treatments tailored to you
Treatment is personalised through shared decision-making. Both conservative and procedural options are considered where appropriate.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions, answered
Why patients choose Mr Teleb
Consultant-led urology care you can trust.
Consultant-led care
Every consultation, investigation and follow-up is with Mr Teleb personally.
NHS Consultant
Substantive Consultant Urologist at University Hospital of Wales.
Evidence-based treatment
Modern, guideline-based care delivered to a high standard.
Rapid access
Most new patients are seen within a few days.
Personalised management
Treatment plans tailored to your anatomy, health and priorities.
Clear communication
Unhurried explanations, written summaries and shared decision-making.
Related conditions
Related procedures
Patient information
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FRCS (Urol)
Fellowship-trained consultant
5.0 patient rating
Verified private reviews
Seen within days
Same-week appointments
All major insurers
BUPA · AXA · Aviva · Vitality · WPA