If oral intake is inadequate, intravenous fluids may be required. Severe pain may require narcotic analgesics. If the stone is not passed spontaneously, surgical removal of the stone may be required. Lithotripsy may be an alternative to surgery. Dietary modification may be needed to reduce the recurrence of some types of stones.
Kidney stones are painful but usually are excreted without causing permanent damage.
They tend to recur, especially if the underlying cause is not found and treated. Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate a kidney stone may be present. Also call if symptoms of kidney stone recur, urination becomes painful, urine output decreases, or other new symptoms develop. The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and the stimulation of red blood cell production. The gross anatomical structure of the kidney is illustrated.