Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys. Small ones may pass unnoticed, but a stone moving into the ureter can cause intense pain and needs prompt attention. Stones are common, often recur, and are very treatable with modern, minimally invasive techniques.
Symptoms to watch for
- Sudden, severe pain in the back or side, often coming in waves
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown)
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate, sometimes with burning
Severe pain with fever or inability to keep fluids down needs urgent care. A blocked, infected stone is a medical emergency — seek immediate attention or call 911.
How we evaluate it
The priority is twofold: control the pain and locate the stone. A focused evaluation typically includes imaging to determine the stone’s size and position, urine and blood testing, and an assessment of whether it’s likely to pass on its own or needs intervention. Dr. Shusterman moves quickly — this is not a problem to sit on.
Treatment options
Watchful passage
Many smaller stones pass with good hydration, pain control, and sometimes medication that relaxes the ureter to ease the stone along.
Ureteroscopy with laser
For stones that won’t pass, a slim scope reaches the stone through the natural urinary tract — no incisions — and a laser fragments it so the pieces can be removed or passed. It’s precise and highly effective.
Shockwave lithotripsy
In select cases, focused energy waves break the stone from outside the body, allowing the fragments to pass naturally.
Dr. Shusterman’s minimally invasive focus means choosing the approach that clears the stone with the least disruption and fastest recovery for your situation.
Preventing the next one
Once you’ve had a stone, your risk of another is real — but preventable. A metabolic evaluation identifies your specific drivers (diet, hydration, metabolism) so prevention can be tailored rather than generic. Most recurrences are avoidable with the right plan.
Common questions
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
Sudden, severe pain in the back or side that may radiate to the groin, often with nausea and sometimes blood in the urine. Imaging confirms it. Severe pain warrants prompt evaluation.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many stones pass with hydration and supportive care. When intervention is needed, it’s usually incision-free — ureteroscopy with laser, or shockwave lithotripsy.
Why do I keep getting stones?
Recurrence is common but largely preventable. A metabolic workup pinpoints your personal risk factors so we can build a prevention plan that actually fits you.
How fast can I be seen?
We hold same-week appointments and prioritize active stone pain. Call (212) 991-9991.