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Kidney Stones Specialist

Advantage Urology

Urologists located in Encino, CA

If you are suffering from the sometimes-intense pain of kidney stones, consult Daniel J. Cosgrove, MD, FACS, an experienced urologist at Advantage Urology in Encino, California, for help. He provides state-of-the-art treatments for urinary tract conditions such as kidney stones. If you are in the Greater Los Angeles area and suffering from kidney stones, call the office to schedule an appointment today.

Kidney Stones Q & A

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard concentrations of rock or crystalline particles in your urinary tract formed by salts and minerals. There is no single cause of kidney stones. However, in most cases, they develop when your urine becomes too concentrated and does not contain enough fluid to dilute crystal-forming minerals. The minerals crystallize and stick together.

Kidney stones form inside your kidneys and occur in men and women of all ages.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

Kidney stones seldom cause symptoms while they remain in the kidney. When they move into the ureter and start to travel to the bladder, you will experience symptoms such as:

  • Back pain below the ribs in your back or side or radiating to your groin and lower abdomen
  • Blood in your urine
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Urinary frequency or urgency
  • Burning with urination
  • Intermittent urine stream

You may experience pain in different locations as the stones move through your urinary tract. Seek immediate medical care if:

  • Your pain is so severe you are unable to find a comfortable position to sit or stand
  • Your pain comes with nausea, vomiting, fever, and/or chills
  • You see blood in your urine.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

Dr. Cosgrove can order blood and urine tests, as well as imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans, to determine whether you have kidney stones. 

If you have passed any stones, he orders a lab analysis to identify the cause of your stones and then prescribes treatment to avoid stones from developing again.

How are kidney stones treated?

Treating kidney stones depends on the type of stone and its location. It is often possible to pass small kidney stones without surgical intervention by drinking plenty of water and taking certain medications. 

For severe kidney stones, Dr. Cosgrove may suggest such treatments as:

  • Ureteroscopy and Laser Lithotripsy
  • Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
  • Ureteral stent placement

If no other choices are available, you may need open stone surgery, but this is extremely rare.

Dr. Cosgrove will describe and discuss in detail your treatment options with you. He also recommends lifestyle changes to help you avoid developing additional kidney stones.

To find much-needed relief from kidney stones and take steps to keep them from recurring, call Advantage Urology to schedule an appointment today.