Diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones in Warsaw

Kidney stones are one of the most common diseases of the urinary system. They involve the formation of mineral deposits in the kidneys or urinary tract. Stones can vary in size - from tiny crystals to larger deposits that obstruct urine flow.

The most characteristic symptom of kidney stones is sudden, severe pain in the lumbar region known as renal colic. The pain can appear unexpectedly and often radiates to the groin or lower abdomen. If you are experiencing such symptoms and are looking for kidney stone diagnostics in Warsaw, we invite you to OpenMed.

Kidney stone treatment at OpenMed

In many cases small deposits can be passed naturally with the urine. Treatment then mainly involves pain relief and increased fluid intake.

If the stone is larger or blocks urine flow, urological treatment may be necessary. In such situations the patient is referred to a specialist for further management.

After a kidney stone episode, prevention of recurrence is also important, including adequate hydration, diet and metabolic monitoring.

When to see a doctor for suspected kidney stones?

It is worth seeing a doctor when:

sudden, severe pain appears in the lumbar region
pain radiates to the groin or lower abdomen
blood appears in the urine
symptoms are accompanied by nausea or fever

Why do kidney stones form?

Kidney stones form as a result of crystallisation of mineral substances present in the urine. Various factors may contribute to their formation, including:

insufficient fluid intake,
a diet high in salt and protein,
metabolic disorders,
genetic predisposition,
recurrent urinary tract infections.

Deposits may not cause symptoms for a long time until they begin to move through the urinary tract.

Symptoms of kidney stones – what to look out for?

The most characteristic symptom is severe pain in the lumbar region that appears suddenly and is paroxysmal in nature.

Additionally, the following may occur:

pain radiating to the groin,
nausea and vomiting,
blood in the urine,
frequent urination,
burning sensation during urination.

Symptoms can be very intense and often require urgent medical consultation.

Kidney stone diagnostics at OpenMed

Diagnosis of kidney stones is based on medical examination and imaging diagnostics. The most commonly performed test is urinary tract ultrasound, which detects the presence of deposits and assesses the condition of the kidneys.

In some cases the doctor may order additional tests, such as:

general urinalysis,
blood tests assessing kidney function,
computed tomography of the urinary tract.

Thorough diagnostics allow the size and location of the deposit to be determined and appropriate treatment to be planned.

FAQ – what patients ask about kidney stones

1. Do kidney stones always require surgery? No. Many deposits are passed naturally.

2. Can kidney stones recur? Yes, which is why prevention and medical check-ups are important.

3. How long does it take to pass a kidney stone? The time depends on the size of the deposit and can range from a few days to several weeks.

4. Which doctor should I see for kidney stones in Warsaw? It is best to start with a nephrology consultation or urology consultation at OpenMed.