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Kidney Stones Health Center

Kidney Stones - Slideshow

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are small "pebbles" of salt and mineral in the urine. The most common symptom is severe pain. Most stones pass on their own, but medical procedures may be needed to remove some kidney stones.

Latest Headlines
Shock Wave Technique Treats Small Kidney Stones
A shock wave technique was effective in treating single kidney stones less than 1 centimeter in size and may be a safe and noninvasive alternative to the standard surgical therapy, a study shows.

What Happens

A kidney stone begins as a tiny piece of crystal in the kidney. When the urine leaves the kidney, it may carry the crystal out, or the crystal may stay in the kidney. If the crystal stays in the kidney, over time more small crystals join it and form a larger kidney stone.

Most stones leave the kidney and travel through the urinary tractcamera when they are still small enough to pass easily out of the body. No treatment is needed for these stones.

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