Kidney stones are painful, disruptive, and for many, recurring. At JR Nathan Urology,Kidney stone disease is one of the most common urological conditions worldwide, and Kerala is no exception. Anyone who has experienced it will tell you that the sudden, sharp pain it causes can be overwhelming — often described as one of the most intense forms of pain a person can endure. Beyond the physical distress, kidney stones interrupt work, family life, and peace of mind, often returning without warning if preventive measures are not taken.At JR Nathan Urology, we believe that treatment is not just about removing the stone. It’s about restoring comfort, confidence, and long-term wellness. That’s why we have invested in the latest laser lithotripsy technology and minimally invasive techniques that reduce hospital stay, lower complication risks, and help patients return quickly to normal routines.
Our team is led by specialists with extensive training in advanced endourology, supported by a staff dedicated to making each patient feel cared for and informed at every step. From the first consultation to post-treatment follow-ups, we focus on individualized care — because no two patients, and no two stones, are exactly alike.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, medically called renal calculi, are solid, crystal-like deposits that develop inside the kidneys or anywhere along the urinary tract. They are formed when the balance of water, salts, and minerals in the urine is disturbed. Normally, urine contains substances that prevent crystals from forming. But when urine becomes too concentrated — often due to dehydration, dietary factors, or certain medical conditions — minerals such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, or uric acid can clump together. Over time, these clumps harden into stones.
The size of kidney stones can vary dramatically. Some are as small as grains of sand, passing unnoticed through urine, while others can grow to the size of a pea, marble, or even larger, potentially blocking the urinary tract and causing intense pain. Stones may form in the kidney itself, the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder), or even the bladder, and their location, size, and chemical makeup determine the type of symptoms you’ll experience and the best treatment approach.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Kidney stone formation can result from a combination of factors, such as:
Inadequate hydration – not drinking enough water is the leading cause of concentrated urine that favors crystal formation.
Dietary habits – high salt intake, excess animal protein, or too many oxalate-rich foods (like spinach, nuts, chocolate, and tea) can increase risk.
Genetics – a family history of kidney stones makes recurrence more likely.
Medical conditions – such as gout, urinary tract infections, obesity, or metabolic disorders.
Medications and supplements – certain drugs or excessive doses of calcium or vitamin C may increase risk.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones can sometimes remain silent, especially when they are small. However, when they move or block the urinary tract, symptoms become very noticeable and can be extremely distressing.
Typical symptoms include:
Severe pain in the back, side, or abdomen – often described as sharp, cramping, and sudden in onset. The pain may come in waves and vary in intensity.
Pain radiating to the groin – as the stone travels down the ureter, pain may shift toward the lower abdomen, groin, or even genital area.
Blood in urine (hematuria) – urine may appear pink, red, or brown due to irritation of the urinary tract lining.
Frequent urge to urinate – even if only a small amount of urine is passed each time.
Burning sensation during urination – especially if the stone is lodged near the bladder.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine – may indicate infection in addition to stones.
Nausea and vomiting – the body’s response to intense pain or blockage.
Fever and chills – a warning sign of urinary tract infection that requires urgent medical attention.
Why Prompt Diagnosis Matters
Ignoring kidney stone symptoms can lead to complications like infection, kidney swelling (hydronephrosis), or long-term kidney damage. At JR Nathan Urology, we emphasize early diagnosis through imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans, along with urine and blood investigations. This allows us to determine the stone’s size, location, and composition, and to recommend the safest and most effective treatment — ranging from conservative management to advanced laser removal procedures.
Why Laser Removal?
Over the past decade, laser lithotripsy has transformed the way urologists treat kidney and ureteric stones. Once, patients had to undergo open surgery — which meant large incisions, long hospital stays, and extended recovery times. Today, with advancements in technology, most stones can be treated using minimally invasive laser-based techniques, offering patients a safer, quicker, and more comfortable experience.
At JR Nathan Urology, we recommend laser stone removal in many cases because it is effective for a wide range of stones and can be tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Key Advantages of Laser Removal
Minimally Invasive Approach
Laser lithotripsy does not require any external cuts or incisions. Instead, a thin endoscope (ureteroscope) is gently passed through natural urinary passages — the urethra, bladder, and ureter — until the stone is located. A fine laser fiber is then delivered through the scope to directly target the stone. This approach avoids large surgical wounds, reduces post-operative pain, and shortens recovery time.High Precision & Effectiveness
The Holmium:YAG laser — one of the most widely used and reliable medical lasers — produces controlled pulses of energy that can break down stones of nearly any composition, including the hardest ones like calcium oxalate monohydrate or cystine stones. The laser’s precision ensures only the stone is targeted, minimizing injury to surrounding tissues.Faster Recovery & Less Downtime
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients recover quickly. Many can return to light activities within a day or two. Hospital stays are usually short — often just overnight, and sometimes patients go home the same day. Compared to open or even some laparoscopic surgeries, the downtime is far less.Higher Success Rates
Laser lithotripsy provides excellent stone clearance rates, even for stones located in challenging areas like the lower pole of the kidney. Unlike shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which may require multiple sessions and is less effective for larger or harder stones, laser treatment often achieves results in a single procedure.Versatility
The laser can be used to dust the stone into fine particles that pass naturally with urine, or to fragment it into pieces that can be removed with small baskets. This flexibility allows the surgeon to customize the technique depending on the stone’s size, hardness, and location.Reduced Need for Repeat Procedures
Because of its high efficiency, laser removal often clears the majority of stone burden in one sitting, lowering the chance that patients will need multiple sessions or repeated treatments.
Laser Removal vs Other Methods
Open Surgery: Rarely needed today, except in very complex cases. Laser removal offers much less pain, no external scar, and faster healing.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive but less effective for larger, denser, or lower-ureter stones; may require multiple sessions. Laser is more precise and reliable.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Used for very large or complex stones. While highly effective, it involves a small incision in the back. For moderate-sized stones, laser removal is less invasive.
Laser Removal in Kerala
Kerala is home to several advanced urology centers, including Aster Medcity, Kochi, where Ureterorenoscopic (URS) Lithotripsy with Holmium Laser is widely practiced. At JR Nathan Urology, we use similar cutting-edge technology, ensuring patients in Kerala don’t need to travel abroad for world-class stone treatment.
Our specialists have years of training and hands-on experience in advanced endourological procedures, ensuring that each patient receives treatment that is both safe and effective
Conclusion
Kidney stones are often treatable with minimal discomfort and good outcomes when handled by experienced specialists using modern technology. If you or a loved one are dealing with the pain, discomfort, or fear of recurrence, JR Nathan Urology is here with laser stone removal options that are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Contact us today for a consultation. Let’s plan the treatment that fits your situation — because you deserve relief, recovery, and a healthier tomorrow.
FAQ
What is laser lithotripsy?
Laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure used to break kidney or ureter stones into smaller fragments using a medical laser (commonly the Holmium:YAG laser). A small scope is passed through the urinary tract (no cuts or external incisions), and the laser fiber is used to precisely target the stone. The fragments are either removed or allowed to pass naturally.
Is the procedure painful?
The procedure itself is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during it. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort, burning during urination, or light blood in the urine for a few days. These symptoms are temporary and can be managed with medications.
How long does the laser procedure take?
On average, the surgery takes 30 to 90 minutes, depending on:
The size and number of stones
Their location (kidney or ureter)
Stone hardness and accessibility
Do I need to stay in the hospital?
Most patients can go home the same day or after one night of observation. In complex cases, or if a stent is placed, your doctor may recommend a slightly longer stay.
How soon can I return to work or normal activities?
Most patients are back to light activities within 24–48 hours. Strenuous exercise or heavy lifting should be avoided for about a week, or until your doctor clears you.
What are the success rates of laser removal?
Laser lithotripsy has very high success rates — often above 90% for small to medium stones. For larger or multiple stones, additional sessions or other procedures (like PCNL) may be required, but overall outcomes are excellent.
Will a stent be needed?
In some cases, a ureteric stent (a small plastic tube) may be placed to keep the ureter open, help fragments pass, and reduce swelling. The stent is usually temporary and removed after 1–2 weeks. While in place, it may cause mild discomfort or a frequent urge to urinate.
What are the possible risks?
Laser lithotripsy is generally very safe. However, like any procedure, it carries small risks, including:
Temporary bleeding in urine
Urinary tract infection
Pain or burning during urination
Injury to ureter (rare)
Residual stone fragments needing additional treatment