Kidney Stone Treatment in Houston, TX
Women who have had natural childbirth, and then had a kidney stone, say the kidney stone is worse!
Most people don’t realize that women have kidney stones almost as often as men. Kidney stones are pretty much the most painful condition that humans endure.
Dr. Christi has extensive experience with stones and will help get you through this process as easily as possible.
Treatment Details
Treatment type
Nonsurgical or Surgical
Treatment frequency
1, with follow-ups
Treatment time
Varies depending on treatment
Downtime
Varies depending on treatment
What It Treats
Kidney stones
Kidney stone pain
Persistent need to urinate
How Laser Stone Removal Works
Step 1
First, contact ChristiMD Medical Group for an initial consultation.
We'll talk with you openly and honestly during the consultation, and possibly schedule an x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan of your kidney(s). If it's determined you need kidney stone treatment in Houston, TX, we'll schedule your procedure.
Step 2
Depending on what will provide you the best results for your situation, one of three treatment options will be performed:
Laser stone removal
A tiny scope is inserted through the urethra and up into the kidney. There, a small laser fiber breaks up the stone and the fragments are removed with a small basket.
Shock waves
A special machine called a lithotripter breaks up the stone with shock waves. X-ray is used to aim the shock waves directly on the stone, and the dust comes out on its own.
Percutaneous nephrolithotripsy
This technique is reserved for very large stones, and is the only procedure which requires an overnight stay in the hospital. A scope is inserted through the back and directly into the kidney to laser the stone and pull it out.
Step 3
Depending on the treatment chosen and the size of the stone(s), you may need a stent put in place until the swelling subsides.
Once you have recovered from surgery, ChristiMD Medical Group will conduct a metabolic analysis to evaluate why you developed the stones, and provide guidance to prevent further stone formation.
Benefits of Kidney Stone Treatment in Houston, TX
Prevents potential or further kidney damage from the stone
Stops the nausea and/or vomiting
Allows the remnants to pass naturally, relatively pain-free
Eliminates associated hematuria (blood in the urine)
Laser stone removal and shock waves require no surgery
Real results
Results of Kidney Stone Treatment
The stones should be destroyed, with any residuals passing from your system. Associated pain will lessen and stop as swelling subsides.
a passionate, experienced medical team
About ChristiMD Medical Group
ChristiMD Medical Group provides a trustworthy and welcoming space for men and women alike, offering the most advanced medical treatments available under one roof. Dr. Christi is double board certified in urology and urogynecology, with over 26 years of experience.
We’ve helped thousands of patients across Texas experience positive, life-changing results. Better doctor. Better techniques. Better results.
Get started
Request a consultation to meet with our team and explore treatments to best address your unique concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kidney stones are hard objects, anywhere in size from a grain of salt to a corn kernel, that form inside your kidneys. They’re usually made up of a combination of minerals and salts, and are sometimes referred to as urolithiasis, nephrolithiasis, or renal calculi.
Certain symptoms may led you to seek kidney stone treatment in Houston, TX. Those symptoms can include:
- Unbearable pain in your side, back, or below your ribs
- Painful/burning urination
- Pain that comes and goes (depending on stone movement and blockage)
- Cloudy/discolored or pungent urination
- Nausea/vomiting
- More common or constant need to pee
- Difficulty releasing urine
- Fever and chills
Though no single prevention method is 100% perfect, the best ways to avoid having kidney stones are:
- Drink plenty of water each day
- Don’t become dehydrated
- Avoid carbonated drinks
- Cut down on salt consumption
- Cut back on foods with lots of salt, MSG, and sodium nitrate (a preservative)
- Get enough calcium in your diet (instead of in supplements)
Kidney stones are formed when the fluid in your urine can’t dilute the amount of crystal-forming substances in it. A number of things contribute to this, including:
- Not drinking enough water
- Obesity
- Consuming too much salt or sugar
- Hyperthyroidism
- Family history
- Plus other possible factors.
Dr. Christi will discuss this fully with you, to understand your current condition and help avoid it in the future.