General Urology | Springwood, Brisbane
Kidney Stones & Kidney Conditions
Kidney stone pain, recurrent stones, a kidney cyst or an abnormal kidney scan?
Southside Urology provides specialist assessment and treatment advice for kidney stones, ureteric stones, kidney cysts, kidney masses and other urinary tract conditions.
Specialist urology consultations | Springwood, Brisbane Southside
Understanding Your Kidneys
Your kidneys filter blood and produce urine. Urine travels through the ureters into the bladder.
Find Your Concern
What Kidney Symptoms Are You Experiencing?
Kidney problems may cause pain, urinary symptoms or no symptoms at all. Some are found unexpectedly during ultrasound or CT imaging.
Kidney & Stone Conditions
Common Kidney Conditions
Learn about conditions affecting the kidneys and ureters, including kidney stones, urinary obstruction and findings on scans.
Kidney Stones
Stones forming in the kidneys, their symptoms and available treatments.
Learn more → 02 / URETERUreteric Stones
Stones travelling from the kidney that may block urine drainage.
Learn more → 03 / RECURRENCERecurrent Stones
Investigation and prevention of repeated kidney stone episodes.
Learn more → 04 / RENAL CYSTSKidney Cysts
Understanding simple and complex kidney cysts found on imaging.
Learn more → 05 / RENAL MASSESKidney Masses
Assessment of kidney lumps, including benign and malignant causes.
Learn more → 06 / OBSTRUCTIONHydronephrosis
Swelling of the kidney's drainage system and possible urinary tract obstruction.
Learn more → 07 / DRAINAGEUreteric Stents
Why stents are used, common symptoms, and follow-up after insertion.
Learn more → 08 / PREVENTIONStone Prevention
Dietary advice, hydration and metabolic investigations to reduce recurrence.
Learn more →Understanding Kidney Conditions
What Might Your Scan or Symptoms Mean?
A kidney abnormality does not always require surgery. The best management depends on the underlying condition, your symptoms and kidney function.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits formed from substances in the urine. They may remain in the kidney without symptoms or cause pain and bleeding.
When a stone enters the ureter, it can cause severe intermittent pain known as renal colic.
Ureteric Stones
Ureteric stones are kidney stones that have moved into the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.
Small stones may pass naturally. Larger or impacted stones may cause obstruction, ongoing pain or kidney complications and require treatment.
Recurrent Kidney Stones
People who have had a kidney stone have an increased risk of developing another stone in the future.
Recurrent stones may justify analysis of stone composition, blood tests and a 24-hour urine metabolic assessment.
Kidney Cysts
Kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are often found incidentally during ultrasound or CT imaging.
Simple cysts are usually benign and may not need treatment. Complex cysts can require additional imaging, surveillance or intervention.
Kidney Masses
A mass found on kidney imaging may represent a benign lesion, a cyst or a kidney tumour.
Further investigation helps determine its nature and whether surveillance, biopsy or treatment is appropriate.
Hydronephrosis
Hydronephrosis means swelling of the kidney's urine-collecting system, which may occur when urine cannot drain normally.
Causes include kidney stones, narrowing of the urinary tract and other forms of obstruction. Management depends on the cause and impact on kidney function.
Ureteric Stents
A ureteric stent is a thin tube inserted between the kidney and bladder to help urine drain.
Stents may be used for obstruction or after stone surgery. They can cause urinary frequency, discomfort and some blood in the urine.
Kidney Stone Types
Common stones contain calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Other types include uric acid, infection-related struvite and cystine stones.
Knowing the stone composition can help guide prevention. Some types of stones require specific dietary or medical treatment.
Specialist Investigation
How Are Kidney Stones & Kidney Problems Diagnosed?
Your urologist will recommend tests based on your symptoms, examination, previous imaging and the suspected condition.
CT Scan
Non-contrast CT is commonly used to identify urinary stones and assess their size and location. Contrast-enhanced CT may be used for selected kidney masses or other conditions.
Kidney Ultrasound
Ultrasound can identify kidney swelling, some stones, cysts and masses. It avoids ionising radiation and may be preferred in pregnancy.
Kidney Function Tests
Blood tests may assess kidney function, inflammation and metabolic factors associated with stone formation.
Urine Analysis & Culture
Urine testing can detect blood, infection and other abnormalities that may influence treatment decisions.
24-Hour Urine Collection
Selected patients, particularly recurrent or high-risk stone formers, may benefit from measurement of urinary calcium, oxalate, citrate, volume and other factors.
Stone Composition
Analysis of a passed or surgically removed stone can guide advice about future stone prevention.
Kidney Stone Treatment
What Are the Treatment Options for Kidney Stones?
Not every kidney stone requires surgery. Treatment depends on the stone's size, location, symptoms, obstruction, infection risk and kidney function.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Your urologist can discuss the expected benefits, risks and alternatives of the available approaches.
Observation & Medical Treatment
Some small stones may pass naturally with appropriate pain management and follow-up. Selected ureteric stones may benefit from medication to assist passage.
Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL)
Shockwaves delivered from outside the body can break suitable stones into smaller fragments. Results vary with stone size, location and composition.
Ureteroscopy & Laser Treatment
A small telescope passes through the urinary tract to reach the stone. Laser energy can fragment the stone, with fragments removed when appropriate. A temporary stent may be needed.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a minimally invasive operation performed through a small tract into the kidney. It is commonly considered for large or complex kidney stones.
Urgent Kidney Drainage
An infected obstructed kidney is a urological emergency. Urgent drainage using a ureteric stent or nephrostomy, together with antibiotics, may be required.
Follow-Up & Prevention
Imaging may be needed to confirm stone passage or assess remaining fragments. Prevention planning can reduce the risk of future stones.
Reducing Future Risk
How Can You Help Prevent Kidney Stones?
Many kidney stones recur. General hydration and dietary measures can help, while people with recurrent stones may need more individualised advice.
Drink Enough Fluid
For most adult stone formers, fluid intake is adjusted to produce around 2 to 2.5 litres of urine daily. More fluid may be needed in hot weather. Follow individual advice if you have a fluid restriction.
Reduce Excess Salt
A high-salt diet can increase calcium loss into urine. Reducing salty processed foods may lower stone risk.
Maintain Normal Dietary Calcium
Most calcium stone formers should not avoid dietary calcium. Normal calcium intake with meals can help limit oxalate absorption.
Balance Protein Intake
Avoiding excessive animal protein may help reduce stone risk. Dietary advice should match the type of stone and individual needs.
Know Your Stone Type
Calcium oxalate, uric acid, calcium phosphate and other stones have different causes. Analysis can guide targeted prevention.
Consider Metabolic Testing
A 24-hour urine collection may identify factors that increase stone formation. Your urologist can recommend specific changes or medication.
Your Consultation
What Happens at Your Kidney Assessment?
Your appointment focuses on understanding your symptoms, reviewing scans and discussing the most appropriate next steps.
Review Symptoms & History
We review pain episodes, previous stones, infections, other medical conditions and current medications.
Review Imaging & Tests
Ultrasound, CT, blood tests and urine results are reviewed to assess the condition and kidney function.
Develop a Management Plan
Depending on the findings, options may include surveillance, additional investigations, stone treatment or longer-term prevention.
When Kidney Symptoms Need Emergency Care
Seek immediate emergency department assessment for suspected kidney stone pain with fever or chills, feeling seriously unwell, inability to pass urine, or severe uncontrolled pain or vomiting. Urgent assessment is also important with suspected obstruction if you have a single functioning kidney, known kidney failure or are pregnant. An infected obstructed kidney can be life-threatening. Do not wait for a routine appointment. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.
Common Questions
Kidney Stones & Kidney Health FAQs
Can a kidney stone pass naturally?
Yes. Some small ureteric stones pass without surgery. The likelihood depends on the size and location of the stone. Follow-up may be required to confirm passage and ensure the kidney is not obstructed.
Does every kidney stone require surgery?
No. Small, non-obstructing stones without concerning features may be monitored. Surgery may be recommended for larger stones, ongoing symptoms, infection, obstruction or other complications.
What is the best treatment for a large kidney stone?
Treatment depends on stone size, position and complexity. For larger or complex kidney stones, PCNL may be recommended. Ureteroscopy or other treatments may be suitable in some circumstances.
Can kidney stones damage my kidneys?
Kidney stones can occasionally affect kidney function, particularly when obstruction or infection is prolonged. Timely assessment helps reduce the risk of complications.
Is a kidney cyst dangerous?
Most simple kidney cysts are benign and cause no problems. Complex cysts may require further imaging or monitoring because their risk differs according to imaging features.
Does a kidney mass mean I have cancer?
Not necessarily. Kidney masses can be benign or malignant. Specialist review and appropriate imaging help determine the next steps.
How can I prevent more kidney stones?
Drinking enough fluid, reducing excess salt and following a balanced diet can help. More specific treatment may be recommended after stone analysis and metabolic investigations.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring your GP referral, medication list, previous ultrasound or CT reports and images if available, blood tests, urine tests and any prior stone analysis results.
Southside Urology | Springwood
Need Advice About Kidney Stones or a Kidney Condition?
Contact Southside Urology about specialist assessment for kidney stones, ureteric stones, kidney cysts, kidney masses and other urinary tract conditions.
Suite 7/2 Murrajong Road, Springwood QLD 4127.