What are urinary stones?
They are solid deposits formed from minerals dissolved in the urine. When they block the urinary tract they cause renal colic: intense pain in the back or side, sometimes with nausea and blood in the urine.
Having one stone greatly increases the risk of forming others — which is why treatment always includes a metabolic work-up and prevention measures.
Treating the colic and the stone
Many small stones pass spontaneously with medical expulsive therapy and good hydration. When this is not possible or the stone is large, highly effective minimally invasive options are available.
Surgical techniques
Flexible laser ureteroscopy: access through the natural urinary tract, with no incisions, and the stone is fragmented with a holmium laser; it is the technique of choice for most ureteral and kidney stones.
Mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy: for larger stones, through a small opening in the back. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: a non-invasive option for selected stones.
Dr. Carrión has taken part in stone disease research and teaching, with publications on the endoscopic management of stones.
Preventing recurrence
Studying the stone and the patient's metabolism (24-hour urine and blood tests) allows prevention to be personalised: hydration guidelines, diet and, where appropriate, specific medication to reduce the risk of new stones.