Kidney Stone Treatment in Johor Bahru and Batu Pahat, Johor
Laser stone treatment, shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), keyhole stone surgery and prevention advice from consultant urologist Dato’ Dr Azhar Amir Hamzah, whose research includes kidney stone care in Malaysia.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidney. Small stones may pass in the urine on their own. Larger stones can get stuck in the ureter, the tube to the bladder, causing severe pain, infection or blockage. Stones can also form in the bladder, often when the bladder does not empty fully.
Symptoms
- Severe pain in the side or back that spreads to the groin and comes in waves
- Blood in the urine, pink, red or brown
- Nausea and vomiting with the pain
- Passing urine often, or pain when passing urine
- Fever and chills if infection develops
- Some stones cause no symptoms and are found on a scan
Common causes
- Not drinking enough water, especially in hot weather
- Diet high in salt, animal protein or sugary drinks
- Family history of kidney stones
- Obesity, diabetes and gout
- Urine infections and a bladder that does not empty fully (bladder stones)
How Dato’ Dr Azhar assesses and treats kidney stones
Dato’ Dr Azhar confirms the stone’s size and position with ultrasound or a CT scan and checks your kidney function. Small stones may pass with medicine, fluids and pain relief.
Larger or stuck stones are treated with the method that suits them best: laser stone treatment through the urinary tract with no cuts, shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) from outside the body, or keyhole surgery for large stones. Bladder stones are broken up and removed through the urethra. After treatment, he can analyse the stone and advise on diet, fluids and medicine to lower the chance of new stones.
When to see a urologist
- Side or back pain that keeps returning
- Blood in the urine
- A stone larger than a few millimetres on a scan
- More than one stone episode
- Fever with side pain, or vomiting and unable to keep fluids down: seek urgent care
FAQs
Can kidney stones pass on their own?
Small stones often do, usually within a few weeks. Larger stones, or stones causing infection or blockage, need treatment.
Is laser stone treatment done without cuts?
Yes. A thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone, which the laser breaks into fine pieces.
How can I stop stones coming back?
Drink enough water to keep your urine pale, reduce salt and sugary drinks, and follow advice based on your stone type.