Kidney Stone Detection

What are the symptoms of a kidney stone?

Typically, kidney stones start out asymptomatic - in other words with no symptoms. However, as a kidney stone enlarges and migrates down into the ureter - the conducting tube to the bladder - the ureter is much narrower, and we rely on the urine conducting down to the bladder in an unobstructed manner. If a stone migrates and obstructs the ureter, the obstruction causes a bloating of the kidney, and it can result in pretty severe pain. In addition to the symptom of pain, an individual can develop nausea and vomiting. In approximately 8% of kidney stone cases there can be either microscopic or even visible blood in the urine.

What tests will my doctor do to detect a kidney stone?

The most common test that's done to detect a kidney stone is something called a CT Urogram. That's a CAT scan that is done in what is called a spiral CT scanner and resolution of the scanner is down to 1 mm. So small stones, ones that could be obstructive, could be easily identified. Furthermore what we look for is obstruction of the urinary system and any other abnormalities which may be occurring at the same time. But, the diagnosis is quickly arrived at and then it can help us plan our action at that point. A CT Urogram is a study of the abdomen and pelvis using a spiral CT scanner. Images are acquired that allow us to look at the anatomy of the kidney, whether or not there are stones or calculi present within the system, and what their location is.Furthermore it also gives us information on degree of obstruction. So it's really a very key study that allows us to diagnose and eventually plan a treatment strategy for the individual.