Kidney Stones

Research

Mayo research helped pave the way for a less invasive treatment for kidneys stones. In 1981, Mayo Clinic was the first institution in the United States to perform a percutaneous ultrasonic stone removal, in which only a small incision in the back is needed, and instruments are inserted through this small opening to break up and remove the stone. This procedure reduced hospital stays and overall recovery time.

Since then, Mayo Clinic physicians have performed thousands of stone removals. Experienced urologists also conduct clinical trials at Mayo to help evaluate and refine new technologies, and their depth of expertise makes Mayo a world leader in clinical research on kidney stone diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Mayo Publications

See a list of publications by Mayo Clinic doctors on kidney stones on PubMed, a service of the National Library of Medicine.