The ureters are the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder. A ureteral stone is a hard, solid collection of minerals and salts that occurs in a ureter. This mass may or may not have originated in the kidney. When a ureteral stone is small, it will likely pass through the urinary tract without any complications. However, when it is larger, it can obstruct the flow of urine and cause problems.
There are certain situations and conditions that can put you at an increased risk for developing ureteral stones, including:
- Chronic bowel inflammation
- Cystic kidney disease
- Family history of ureteral stones
- Having undergone an intestinal bypass operation (surgical weight loss procedure in which a portion of the digestive system is rerouted)
- Having undergone an ostomy surgery (surgical procedure in which a portion of the colon or rectum is removed and the remaining colon is attached directly to the abdominal wall for emptying)
- Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Signs and symptoms of ureteral stones include:
- Burning sensation while urinating
- Cramping in the lower abdomen and groin
- Extreme pain during urination
- Fever
- Increased urinary frequency
- Unable to urinate (due to blocked urine flow)
- Urine that is pink in color, due to the presence of blood
Treatments
Increasing Fluid Intake
Your doctor may recommend you drink two to three quarts of water daily to try to help the stone pass on its own.
Medicines
Your urologist may prescribe pain or antibiotic medication while the stone is passing, as well as medicine to control acid in the urine to decrease the likelihood of recurrent stones.
Surgery
If your stone has not passed on its own and it is causing you pain and blocking your urine flow, your specialist will likely recommend a surgical procedure to remove the stone.
Tests
Urine Tests
Your doctor may take a sample of your urine to look for high concentrations of minerals that may be related to ureteral stones.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
Your urologist may order a CT scan of your urinary tract, which can help them visually check for stones.
Why Choose UHealth?
Innovative, expert urology care at the Desai Sethi Urology Institute. Our team of urology experts delivers advanced care for all urologic conditions. We use the latest research and the least invasive procedures to help you feel better and recover more quickly. Our experienced urologists design a personalized treatment plan to give you the best possible results.
Leaders in robotic surgery treatment. We have some of the world’s most experienced robotic surgeons for urologic procedures. In fact, doctors come from all over the world to learn at our Urology Robotic Program — the #1 ranked program in South Florida. The University of Miami Health System was the first academic medical center in the world to get the da Vinci Xi robotic surgery system and has completed more than 5,000 robotic surgeries — procedures that offer less pain and scarring and a faster recovery.
Multidisciplinary approach to care. Your team works closely with doctors in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and other specialties for prompt, accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. You have a team of experts on your side.
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