Kidney Stones Treatment in Hollywood, FL
Odds are that someone you know had a kidney stone. They are fairly common, affecting one in eleven people at some point in their life. There is no single cause for kidney stones, but educating yourself on kidney stones can aid in the prevention of them.
Urologist Richard Levin, MD is board certified by the American Board of Urology and has over 25 years of experience diagnosing and treating kidney stones. in the Hollywood, FL area. For an appointment call our urology clinic in Aventura, FL at (305) 932-4444, or request an appointment online. Dr. Levin treats kidney stones for patients from Aventura, Hollywood, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Hallandale, and the surrounding area.
What Is a Kidney Stone?
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney when substances in the urine become highly concentrated. Though some kidney stones are so small that they pass without causing pain, they can also grow large enough to get stuck in the urinary tract, which causes severe pain and even bleeding.
Four different kinds of kidney stones can form:
- Calcium stones. These are the most common form of kidney stone and are often caused by high calcium and high oxalate excretion.
- Uric acid stones. Uric acid stones are usually present when the urine is acidic due to a large intake of certain meats, fish, and shellfish.
- Struvite stones. Struvite stones are a result of kidney infections.
- Cystine stones. A genetic disorder causes cystine to leak into the urine, which forms crystals that turn into cystine stones.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
To properly diagnose kidney stones, your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask questions about your history with kidney stones, diet, GI problems, and other diseases and disorders. In addition to a physical exam and discussing your medical history, he or she may also perform a urine sample, blood test, abdominal x-ray and CT scans.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
After properly diagnosing the kidney stone, your physician will determine a treatment plan based on the size of your kidney stone what it is made of. Smaller stones usually pass through the urinary tract without treatment. Treatment options for larger stones can include:
- Extracorporeal Shockwave lithotripsy. A machine called a lithotripter is used to crush the kidney stone.
- Ureteroscopy. A ureteroscope, which is long, tube-like instrument, is used to find the stone with a small basket or used to break up the stone with a laser.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A procedure that uses a thin viewing instrument to locate and remove the stone.
How Can You Prevent Kidney Stones?
Preventing kidney stones depends greatly on the reason the stone is forming. However, focusing on your diet is the first step in preventing any kind of stone from forming. Reducing sodium intake, limiting animal protein, avoiding foods high in oxalate and getting enough calcium are all important in the prevention of kidney stones.
In addition to altering your diet, some health care providers may also prescribe certain medications depending on the type of stone.
The Aventura Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center
At the Aventura Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center, a division of Urodocs, Dr. Richard Levin and his team offer unique and individualized care to patients suffering from kidney stones. At this state-of-the-art facility, Dr. Levin is able to evaluate, diagnose, and treat kidney stones using a variety of means, including:
- In-office ultrasound
- In-office lab testing
- 24-hour urine analysis
- Prescription supplements
- Minimally invasive treatments including EWSL, Ureteroscopy with Lasers, and Pecutaneous Suurgery
- Surgicenter availability
Aventura Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center Trademark
Schedule a Kidney Stones Consultation
For more information on diagnosing and preventing kidney stones, or to schedule an appointment at our state-of-the-art facility, talk to board-certified urologist Richard Levin, MD today. Give our urology clinic in Aventura, FL a call at (305) 932-4444 or request an appointment online.
Kidney Stone FAQs
What Are Kidney Stones?
When high levels of minerals and salt exist in the kidneys, a clump of matter known as a kidney stone can form inside of the kidney.
How Long Does It Take to Flush Out a Kidney Stone?
Stones smaller than 4 millimeters pass on their own 80 percent of the time. They take an average of 31 days to pass. Stones that are 4–6 mm are more likely to require some sort of treatment, but around 60 percent pass naturally. This takes an average of 45 days.
What Dissolves Kidney Stones Fast?
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid which helps dissolve kidney stones. In addition to flushing out the kidneys, apple cider vinegar can also decrease any pain caused by the stones. In addition, water and lemon juice can help flush the stones and prevent future kidney stones.
How Will I Know When a Kidney Stone Has Passed?
As stones move into your ureters — the thin tubes that allow urine to pass from your kidneys to your bladder — signs and symptoms can result. Signs and symptoms of kidney stones being passed can include severe pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills and blood in your urine.
Which Fruits Are Good for Preventing Kidney Stones?
Citrus fruit, and their juice, can help reduce or block the formation of stones due to naturally occurring citrate. Good sources of citrus include lemons, oranges, and grapefruit.
How Long After Passing a Kidney Stone Does the Pain Stop?
Once it reaches the bladder, the stone typically passes within a few days. However, pain may subside even if the stone is still in the ureter, so it is important to follow up with your doctor if you do not pass the stone within 4-6 weeks.
Can Kidney Stones Grow Bigger?
Kidney stones can start small but can grow larger in size, even filling the inner hollow structures of the kidney. Some stones stay in the kidney, and may not cause any problems.
Is Milk Good for Kidney Stones?
Yes. Calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and some cheese and oxalate-rich foods are beneficial for preventing kidney stones. This is because oxalate and calcium from the foods are more likely to bind to one another in the stomach and intestines before entering the kidneys, make it less likely that kidney stones will form.
What Does Passing a Kidney Stone Feel Like for a Woman?
They feel pain in their abdomen, lower back, or groin as the stone passes through the narrow ureter and beyond. That can also cause some gastric discomfort, which is centered in the upper abdomen and can be dull and achy or throbbing pain.