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Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are pebble-like masses of salts and minerals that form inside your kidneys; they are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract, resulting in more than one million ER visits annually.

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About

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of your fist. They're located behind your abdominal organs, with one kidney on each side of your spine. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones, then it’s time to visit with one of the Summa Health Medical Group Urologists to discuss your treatment options.
 
The sizes of these stones range from a grain of sand to a pea or pearl. Small stones may pass through your urinary tract with little or no pain, yet larger ones can cause severe pain and/or bleeding, as well as block urine flow. Stones of this size require medical attention.

Causes

Kidney stones form when your urine becomes concentrated with crystal-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. While anyone can get kidney stones, factors that increase risk are:
  • Dehydration
  • Family history and genetics
  • Obesity
  • High protein, salt or glucose diet
  • Gastric bypass surgery
  • Conditions like hyperparathyroid and inflammatory bowel diseases
  • Medications such as diuretics, anti-seizure drugs and calcium-based antacids

Symptoms

The most common symptom of kidney stones is pain in your side and back. It often starts suddenly, with the pain’s intensity changing as the stone moves through your urinary tract. Some patients compare the intense pain of a kidney stone to childbirth or getting stabbed.
 
Other symptoms may include:
  • Pain while urinating
  • Pink, red or brown urine
  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • More frequent and/or persistent need to urinate
  • Urinating in small amounts

Treatment

Small stones typically pass within a few days to a few weeks, and may simply require pain medication and a lot of water. However, larger stones may require further treatment to prevent permanent damage.
 
Whatever your condition, your Summa Health urologist will work with you and your primary care physician to ensure the most comprehensive treatment plan. Preventive treatment will be developed to reduce your risk of reoccurring kidney stones, especially if you’re at high risk of developing them again.
Meet the Urology Team

Meet the Team

Summa Health's Urology team are compassionate, fellowship-trained specialists who treat a wide range of urologic and pelvic issues.

Summa Health System – Akron Campus
95 Arch St., Suite 165
Akron, OH 44304
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Summa Health System – Barberton Campus
201 5th St. NE, Suite 3
Barberton, OH 44203
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Summa Health Green Medical Center
1700 Boettler Road, Suite 150
Uniontown, OH 44685
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Summa Health Medina Medical Center
3780 Medina Rd., Suite 250
Medina, OH 44256
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Summa Health Stow-Kent Medical Center
3825 Fishcreek Rd.
Stow, OH 44224
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Summa Health Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center
195 Wadsworth Road, Suite 301
Wadsworth, OH 44281
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Resources

Patient Stories

Video 1

Bob Titus is thankful that Summa cared for his kidney stones and his community.

Video 2

Thomas Mack has a massive kidney stone removed.

Keeping Kidney Stones in Check: Prevention and Treatment Options [Podcast]

Dr. Joseph Dankoff discusses the prevention, treatment, and management with kidney stones and how to keep them in check.

Listen to the podcast

Do you think you have a bladder infection?

Learn why a constant need to pee paired with an awful burning sensation means it's time to seek care/help.

Learn more about bladder infections

What Exactly is a Kidney Stone?

Learn why these solid, stone-like mineral and salt deposits form in the kidneys—and more importantly—what to do about them.

Learn more about kidney stones
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Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.

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