Kidney stones — known medically as urolithiasis — are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They are one of the most common urological problems and can cause sudden, severe pain when they move. The good news is that most stones are very treatable, and with the right care and prevention, many people never have another one. Dr. Anish Gupta offers the full range of stone care in Delhi NCR, from simple medical management to advanced keyhole and laser surgery.
What is urolithiasis (kidney stones)?
A kidney stone forms when minerals and salts in the urine become too concentrated and crystallise into a solid mass. Stones can be as small as a grain of sand or grow large enough to fill the kidney. They may sit quietly in the kidney without causing any trouble, or they may travel down the urinary tract — through the ureter, bladder and urethra — where they can block the flow of urine and cause intense pain. You can learn more in our complete kidney stone treatment guide.
Symptoms of kidney stones
Small stones often pass on their own without any symptoms. Larger stones, or a stone that becomes stuck, can cause:
- Sudden, severe pain in the flank or lower back that may radiate to the groin (renal colic)
- Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
- Blood in the urine, which may look pink, red or brown
- Pain or a burning feeling when passing urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Needing to urinate more often or more urgently
- Fever and chills, if an infection is also present
Fever with stone pain can signal a blocked, infected kidney, which is a urological emergency needing prompt treatment. You can read about the early signs you might have a kidney stone to know what to watch for.
Causes and risk factors
Stones form when the balance of water, salts and minerals in the urine is disturbed. You are more likely to develop them if you:
- Do not drink enough fluid, or live in a hot climate and sweat a lot
- Eat a diet high in salt or animal protein
- Are overweight or have diabetes
- Have a family or personal history of stones
- Have certain medical conditions affecting calcium, uric acid or the urinary tract
- Have repeated urinary infections or a blockage that stops the kidney draining well
When to see a urologist
See a urologist if you have severe or repeated flank pain, blood in your urine, or you have passed a stone before. Seek urgent care if pain is unbearable, you cannot keep fluids down, or you develop a fever — these may mean a stone is blocking the kidney or has caused an infection. Prompt assessment protects the kidney and relieves pain quickly.
How kidney stones are diagnosed
Diagnosis is usually quick and starts with a discussion of your symptoms. Dr. Anish Gupta may advise:
- A urine test to check for blood, infection and crystals
- Blood tests to assess kidney function and stone-forming minerals
- An ultrasound scan or a low-dose CT scan to locate the stone and measure its size
- Analysis of any passed stone to identify its type and guide prevention
Treatment options for kidney stones
Treatment depends on the size, position and type of stone, and on how much it is troubling you. Not every stone needs surgery.
Watchful waiting and medical management
Small stones often pass naturally with plenty of fluids and pain relief. Sometimes a medication is given to relax the ureter and help the stone pass more easily. Dr. Anish Gupta will monitor progress to make sure the kidney stays safe.
Shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
For suitable stones, shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses focused sound waves from outside the body to break the stone into small fragments that pass out in the urine — with no cuts at all.
Ureteroscopy and RIRS
For stones in the ureter or kidney, ureteroscopy and RIRS use a fine telescope passed along the natural urinary channel, with a laser to break the stone. There are no external wounds and recovery is usually swift.
PCNL — keyhole stone surgery
For large or complex kidney stones, PCNL keyhole surgery removes the stone through a small track in the back, clearing even bulky stones in a single procedure.
Why choose Dr. Anish Gupta
Dr. Anish Gupta is a Consultant Urologist & Andrologist with over 20 years of experience and a special interest in endo-urology and minimally-invasive stone surgery. He tailors treatment to your stone and your circumstances, uses the latest laser and keyhole techniques, and gives clear advice on preventing stones from coming back — all across three convenient locations in Delhi NCR (Ashok Vihar, Rohini and Karol Bagh).
Frequently asked questions
Will my kidney stone pass on its own?
Many small stones pass naturally with plenty of fluids and pain relief over a few days to weeks. Larger stones, or one that blocks the kidney or causes infection, usually need treatment. A scan helps predict how likely a stone is to pass on its own.
Which stone treatment is best for me?
It depends on the size, position and hardness of the stone. Options range from shockwave therapy to keyhole and laser surgery. Dr. Anish Gupta recommends the least invasive effective option after reviewing your scans and symptoms.
Are kidney stones very painful?
A stone moving through the ureter can cause severe, cramping pain that comes in waves. Pain relief settles this quickly, and treatment removes the underlying cause. Not all stones are painful — some are found by chance on a scan.
How can I stop kidney stones coming back?
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is the single most important step. Reducing salt, moderating animal protein and maintaining a healthy weight also help. Analysing a passed stone allows Dr. Anish Gupta to give you targeted, stone-specific advice.
Every treatment plan starts with a proper assessment, so you only get the care your condition actually needs — and if the honest answer is that you don't need a procedure, you'll hear that too.