Kidney Stone Management

At Dr Afolayan’s urology practice, we specialise in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of kidney stones, ensuring our patients receive the most effective and compassionate care available.

Our goal is to guide you through every step of your journey to recovery, providing clear information and support.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can affect part of your urinary tract – from your kidneys to your bladder.

Often, stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and stick together.

What Symptoms Should I Look For?

Kidney stone symptoms may not appear until the stone moves around within the kidney or passes into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney and bladder.

At that point, you might experience:

• Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs
• Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
• Painful urination
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Persistent need to urinate
• Urinating more often than usual
• Fever and chills if an infection is present

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Dr Afolayan employs a range of diagnostic tools to accurately identify the presence of kidney stones, including blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests. These diagnostic methods help us understand the stone’s composition and devise a personalised treatment plan.

What Treatment Options Are Available?

Treatment for kidney stones varies, depending on the stone’s size, type, and cause. Small stones with minimal symptoms may not require invasive treatment beyond drinking water and taking pain medication.

For larger kidney stones, treatment options may involve a variety of approaches. Medications can be prescribed to facilitate the easier passage of stones. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is another method that uses shock waves to break stones into smaller, more manageable pieces.

Ureteroscopy involves the direct removal of stones from the ureter or kidney using a unique instrument. In cases of larger stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a surgical procedure that removes stones through a small incision in the back, may be employed.

How Can I Prevent Kidney Stones in the Future?

Preventing kidney stones involves changes in diet and lifestyle, such as increasing water intake, reducing salt and animal protein intake, and avoiding foods high in oxalates.

Dr Afolayan will provide tailored advice based on your specific condition to help prevent future stones.

Why Choose Dr Afolayan for Your Kidney Stone Treatment?

Dr Peter Afolayan combines expertise in the latest urological treatments with a compassionate approach to patient care. His commitment to research and evidence-based practice ensures that you receive the most advanced and effective treatments available.

If you're experiencing symptoms or have concerns about kidney stones, please contact us to schedule a consultation. Together, we'll find the best path forward to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.