User • 2026. 03. 04.
Gangnam-gu / Male in late 30s / Kidney Stones
Recently, I have been experiencing recurring pain from kidney stones in my flank and lower abdomen, making it difficult to maintain my daily routine. I would like to ask about surgical treatment options for kidney stones.
I have tried to manage potential causes such as insufficient fluid intake and dietary habits, but the pain has not improved. In fact, it has become more frequent, and I feel that medication alone is no longer effective.
I understand that the treatment approach can vary depending on the size and location of the stone. In my current situation, I would like to know whether extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or endoscopic treatment would be more appropriate.
I would appreciate a detailed explanation of kidney stone evaluation and surgical treatment options.
Ryu Kyung-ho
Goldman UrologyDirector, Goldman Urology Gangnam
Hello, this is Dr. Kyungho Ryu from Goldman Urology Clinic, Gangnam.
If you are considering surgery for urinary stones (urolithiasis), it is important to understand your condition and the available treatment options.
When a stone blocks the ureter, it can cause severe pain due to swelling of the kidney.
If the stone is larger than 5 mm, the likelihood of spontaneous passage decreases, and further evaluation is required to determine the exact size and location.
What is a urinary stone?
Urinary stones are formed when substances in the urine crystallize and harden into stone-like structures within the kidney.
As these stones move along the urinary tract, they can cause intense pain.
Dehydration increases the risk by allowing crystals to remain in the urine longer.
A family history, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors can also contribute to stone formation.
One of the main challenges of urinary stones is not only the severity of pain but also the high recurrence rate.
Common symptoms of urinary stones
Flank or lower abdominal pain: severe, stabbing pain that may last from minutes to hours
Hematuria: visible or microscopic blood in the urine
Urinary symptoms: frequency, pain during urination, or a sensation of incomplete emptying
Fever and chills: may indicate infection and require urgent care
Causes and risk factors
Low fluid intake: reduced urine volume promotes stone formation
Dietary factors: high salt or excessive animal protein intake increases risk
Metabolic conditions: obesity, hypertension, diabetes
Genetic predisposition: family history of urinary stones
Diagnosis and treatment based on stone size
Accurate diagnosis requires imaging studies such as urinalysis, X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan to determine the stone’s size and location.
≤ 5 mm: may pass naturally with hydration and medication
≥ 6 mm: lower likelihood of passage → shock wave lithotripsy recommended
≥ 1 cm: may require ureteroscopy or surgical removal
Treatment options
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
A non-invasive method that uses high-energy shock waves to break stones into smaller fragments.
It is typically performed without anesthesia or hospitalization.
Ureteroscopy and robotic-assisted surgery
An endoscope is inserted into the ureter to directly fragment and remove stones.
Advanced systems, including AI-assisted technologies, can improve precision and safety.
Prevention and lifestyle management
To prevent recurrence:
Drink at least 2 liters of water per day
Reduce salt and animal protein intake
Engage in regular physical activity such as walking, jogging, or light jumping exercises, which may help facilitate the passage of small stones
When to seek treatment
Urinary stones should be treated early to prevent complications such as kidney damage.
If you have been diagnosed with a urinary stone, timely treatment is strongly recommended.
At Goldman Urology Clinic, we provide 24-hour emergency care across all branches to ensure prompt treatment whenever symptoms occur.
We carefully evaluate each patient’s condition to provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Identifying the exact cause is the first step toward effective treatment.
If your symptoms persist, we recommend visiting a urology clinic for further evaluation.
Thank you, and we hope this information was helpful.
* This answer is based on medical documents and cannot replace an actual diagnosis.