When you hear the words kidney stone, you probably wince. And if you’ve ever had one, you know why. It’s like your body decided to produce its own version of jagged little rocks, and then asked you to pass them through delicate plumbing. Ouch, right?
But here’s the silver lining: not every kidney stone needs surgery. At Shree Srinivasa Uro Care, Dr. K. S. Shiva Kumar offers gentle, non-surgical options for kidney stone removal in Bangalore, so you can find relief without the operating room stress.
First Things First: What Are Kidney Stones?
Think of kidney stones as hard mineral crystals that form when your urine becomes too concentrated. They vary in size, from tiny grains of sand to larger, marble-sized troublemakers. Depending on their location and movement, they can cause:
- - Sudden back or side pain
- - Burning or painful urination
- - Blood in the urine
- - Nausea or vomiting
- - Frequent urge to urinate
- - Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Some people may not even know they have a kidney stone until it begins to move.
Do All Kidney Stones Need Surgery?
Not at all. In fact, most small stones (under 5 mm) can pass naturally with a little help from hydration, medication, and time.
That’s where Dr. Shiva Kumar’s approach stands out. At Shree Srinivasa Uro Care, he first evaluates:
- - The stone’s size and shape
- - Its location in the urinary tract
- - Your symptoms and overall health
- - The type of stone (calcium, uric acid, etc.)
Only after this thorough evaluation does he recommend a treatment plan, and if there’s a safe, non-surgical option, he’ll always start there.
Top Non-Surgical Options for Kidney Stone Removal
1. Hydration Therapy
Water is your first line of defense. Drinking at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water daily helps flush out the urinary system and increases the chances of passing small stones naturally.
At Shree Srinivasa Uro Care, you’ll receive personalized hydration guidance, including the use of oral citrate solutions or alkalizing agents to make your urine less prone to stone formation.
2. Medications
Certain medications can relax your urinary tract, reduce inflammation, and ease stone passage.
- - Alpha blockers to help widen the ureter
- - Pain relievers like NSAIDs manage discomfort
- - Anti-nausea drugs are prescribed for severe symptoms
- - Uric acid reducers or calcium supplements may be suggested based on stone composition
3. Dietary Adjustments
Food can either feed or fight kidney stones. Based on the type of stone you have, Dr. Shiva Kumar provides diet counseling:
- - Reduce oxalate-rich foods (spinach, beets, nuts)
- - Cut down on salt and processed foods
- - Increase citrate intake through lemon or orange juice
- - Avoid excess animal protein
- - Drink more water (yes, again!)
These changes not only help current stones pass but also prevent new ones from forming.
4. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
This fancy-sounding treatment is actually non-invasive and highly effective. ESWL uses shock waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments, which are then passed naturally through urine.
- - No cuts or stitches
- - Outpatient procedure
- - Minimal recovery time
- - Best for stones between 5 mm and 20 mm located in the kidney or upper ureter
At Shree Srinivasa Uro Care, Dr. Shiva Kumar personally performs or oversees every ESWL session, ensuring accuracy, safety, and the best outcomes.
Why Choose Shree Srinivasa Uro Care?
Because here, you’re not just another case number.
Dr. K. S. Shiva Kumar offers:
- - Direct consultations without assistants or department handovers
- - Hands-on care from diagnosis to follow-up
- - No unnecessary procedures or tests
- - A commitment to minimally invasive, patient-friendly care
He combines years of experience with empathetic listening and clear guidance, so you never feel confused or overwhelmed.
When Might Surgery Still Be Necessary?
While non-surgical treatments are effective for most small to moderate stones, surgery might be needed in situations like:
- - Stones larger than 10–15 mm
- - Obstruction of urine flow, causing swelling or infection
- - Recurrent stones that don’t respond to medication
- - Complex stone shapes or embedded stones
- - Severe, persistent pain or kidney damage
Even in such cases, Dr. Shiva Kumar discusses all your options in detail, including minimally invasive surgical options like ureteroscopy or PCNL, only if absolutely necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I pass a kidney stone without even knowing it?
Yes, it’s possible. Very small kidney stones, typically under 3 mm, can pass through the urinary tract without causing noticeable pain or symptoms. You might not even realize it’s happening. However, not all stones are that kind. As stones grow larger or move into narrow parts of the ureter, they can cause pain or blockages. That’s why regular checkups are important if you’ve had a history of stones.
Q2. How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass naturally?
It varies based on the size, location, and shape of the stone. In general, stones under 5 mm have a high chance of passing on their own within a few days to a few weeks, especially with proper hydration and medications to ease passage. Dr. Shiva Kumar will track your progress with imaging and recommend the next steps if the stone takes longer than expected or if pain becomes severe.
Q3. Is ESWL painful?
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is generally not painful during the procedure itself because sedation or local anesthesia is often used. Afterward, you might feel mild cramping or soreness in your back or side for a day or two. Some patients may pass small fragments over the next few days, which could cause mild discomfort. Overall, it’s a very tolerable, non-invasive treatment with a quick recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Q4. What happens if I ignore a kidney stone?
Ignoring a kidney stone can lead to serious problems over time. If a stone blocks the flow of urine, it can cause intense pain, repeated infections, kidney swelling (hydronephrosis), and even long-term damage to your kidney function. Sometimes
Q5. How can I prevent kidney stones from coming back?
Prevention depends on the type of stone you’ve had. Drinking plenty of water is the most basic and effective method. Dr. Shiva Kumar may suggest specific dietary changes such as reducing salt, cutting back on oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts, and increasing citrate intake. If your stones were due to high uric acid, a low-purine diet or medications might be recommended. Regular follow-ups, urine tests, and lifestyle guidance all play a role in preventing recurrence.
You’ve Got Options (and Support!)
Kidney stones are painful, sure, but they’re also manageable. Thanks to modern technology and expert guidance, non-surgical kidney stone removal in Bangalore is not just possible, it’s often the smartest choice
Whether your treatment includes hydration therapy, medications, dietary changes, or ESWL, Dr. K. S. Shiva Kumar will walk you through every step with patience, precision, and a personal touch.
Let’s Get You Back to Feeling Like Yourself
If you’ve been dealing with nagging back pain, discomfort during urination, or suspect a kidney stone, don’t wait. The sooner you get evaluated, the easier the treatment.
Book your appointment at Shree Srinivasa Uro Care today and take the first step toward easy, effective, non-surgical kidney stone removal in Bangalore