The Queen’s Medical Center Kidney Stone Center treats urological conditions including kidney stone disease, prostate cancer and other prostate issues, from initial diagnosis to treatment, including surgery and radioactive seed implant. The center also conducts urodynamic studies for incontinence and other voiding problems and determines possible treatments which may require pelvic muscle rehabilitation. All staff members are specially trained in the care of kidney stone patients and use of the lithotriptor.

What is Kidney Stone Disease?

Most kidney stones result from chemical imbalances in the body. Normal urine contains substances that inhibit the formation of crystals. Stones form when the crystals separate from the urine and build up on the inner surface of the kidney. Common symptoms associated with kidney stones include mild to severe back pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or blood in the urine. Many factors are thought to influence kidney stone formation including:

• Gender: kidney stones affect more men than women
• Age: usually occurs in individuals between the ages 30-50
• Geographic location: can occur in individuals residing in hot climates
• Poor diet