Kidney Stone Program

Urologists Specializing in Treating & Preventing Kidney Stones

At most hospitals, kidney stones are treated by general urologists. In our program, however, patients see experienced, board-certified specialists whose sole focus is treating and preventing kidney stones.

We care for hundreds of patients with kidney stones every year, so our physicians understand the full range of symptoms. Using this knowledge, they prescribe the most effective methods of treatment and prevention.

What to Expect

Patient care begins with a thorough evaluation of kidney stone size and factors such as lifestyle, medical history and genetic background. With this information, our specialists make precise diagnoses and develop treatment plans to address the patient's specific symptoms and causes.

Most patients are treated as outpatients because many of the advanced therapies we prescribe are noninvasive or minimally invasive. This can help patients avoid a hospital stay and recover more quickly.

Leaders in Minimally Invasive Treatments

Mass General is one of the few hospitals in New England that has two of the most advanced stone removal technologies onsite: an externally applied shockwave therapy system and laser technology (lithotripsy) used to fragment stones. Because the most advanced equipment is available at the hospital, patients rarely have to wait for minimally invasive stone removal, sparing them the prolonged pain and discomfort of a temporary stent.

To treat kidney stones and associated urological problems, we use the most sophisticated techniques and technologies available. In addition to shockwave therapy and lithotripsy, we offer treatments such as:

• Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery
• Intestinal interposition for patients with ureteral dysfunction or obstruction
• Advanced percutaneous methods

In many cases, our physicians recommend nonoperative care, such as medication or dietary changes. When patients pass stones without operative intervention, they can recover more quickly, forego many procedures and avoid potential risks such as infection.