Many patients are diagnosed with complications such as acute urinary retention or acute kidney failure due to large stones in both ureters, a condition commonly referred to as urinary stones. Urinary stones develop when stones formed in the kidneys move through the ureters, often causing severe pain along the way.
If the stones are small, they may pass naturally through urine. However, larger stones can cause intense pain and obstruct the ureter, interfering with the normal flow of urine.
Patients with urinary stones often visit the hospital in emergency situations because of severe pain. In some cases, patients arrive at the emergency room during the night with unbearable pain, and immediate surgery may not be possible. In such situations, medical staff may perform temporary measures such as percutaneous nephrostomy to relieve pain and stabilize the patient’s condition. This procedure helps restore the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder and temporarily improves the patient’s condition. However, this intervention does not remove the underlying cause—the stone itself.
For urinary stones, selecting an appropriate treatment method based on the size and location of the stone is essential. In most cases, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is attempted first. However, some stones cannot be effectively treated with this method. When stones are located in areas difficult to treat with shock waves, when they are extremely large or small, or when multiple stones are present, endoscopic surgery may be required.
Rigid endoscopy is typically used to remove stones located in the lower ureter, while flexible endoscopy is more effective for stones in the kidney or upper ureter. Endoscopic surgery requires a high level of precision and surgical expertise, and complications such as ureteral perforation can occasionally occur. Nevertheless, experienced urology specialists are able to effectively manage and respond to such complications.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a urology clinic for the treatment of urinary stones. First, it is important to determine whether the medical facility is equipped with modern equipment and advanced treatment technologies. Second, the presence of experienced medical professionals is essential, as skilled physicians can safely manage complex and varied stone cases. Finally, the availability of adequate facilities for patients and caregivers to rest before and after surgery should also be considered.
Dr. Ryu Je-man of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Seoul Station branch explained that early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are extremely important for urinary stones. When treated promptly and accurately, kidney damage can be prevented and pain can be effectively managed. He added that patients who suspect urinary stones should visit a specialized medical institution as soon as possible to receive proper diagnosis and select the most suitable treatment. Even in cases where stones are discovered incidentally without pain, large stones can sometimes cause significant kidney damage, so timely treatment is strongly recommended.