Kidney Stones

Overview

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts on the inner surfaces of the kidneys. Most kidney stones are small enough to pass through the urinary tract on their own and surgical treatment isn't always required. Large stones, stones that become lodged in the urinary tract, those that cause complications such as pain or bleeding, or those associated with infection may need to be surgically removed.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for kidney stones

• Experience and expertise. Mayo Clinic doctors are leaders in the treatment and prevention of kidney stones. Mayo Clinic has a nationally and internationally recognized program dedicated to kidney stone treatment and removal.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic specialists from several areas work as a team to diagnose and treat your kidney stone disease. Mayo Clinic urologists and urologic surgeons work closely with doctors in nephrology and radiology to ensure that you receive the most comprehensive care possible.
• Latest diagnostic tests. Mayo Clinic has the expertise and technology to effectively diagnose and treat all types of kidney stones. For instance, Mayo doctors often use spiral dual energy computerized tomography (CT) to scan the abdomen — an imaging technology that's often not available at other centers. This test can reveal tiny kidney stones that may not appear on conventional X-rays or traditional CT scans.
• Advanced treatments. Mayo Clinic uses the latest technology to treat kidney stones, including minimally invasive techniques performed using small incisions or natural openings. Mayo urologists have extensive experience in performing percutaneous nephrolithotomy (nef-row-lih-THOT-uh-me), also called PNL — a surgical procedure to remove large kidney stones.
• Treatment pioneers. Mayo Clinic developed many of the tools and techniques used to treat kidney stones. Based on decades of experience, Mayo Clinic specialists have made several important contributions to the field.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., and Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., are ranked among the Best Hospitals for kidney disorders by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fla., is ranked high performing for kidney disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

Why Choose Mayo Clinic
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