Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - UrologyKidney stones are diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, urine tests, blood tests, and imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT KUB scans. These investigations help determine the size, location, and type of the stone, allowing your urologist to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Diagnosing kidney stones begins with understanding your symptoms and medical history. If you experience severe back or side pain, blood in the urine, burning while urinating, frequent urination, or nausea, your doctor may suspect a kidney stone and recommend further evaluation.
To confirm the diagnosis, a urologist may perform one or more of the following tests:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, previous history of kidney stones, family history, dietary habits, and fluid intake. A physical examination helps identify tenderness around the kidneys and assess the severity of your symptoms.
A urine test helps detect blood, infection, crystals, or other abnormalities that may indicate the presence of kidney stones or other urinary tract conditions.
Blood tests are performed to evaluate kidney function and measure levels of substances such as calcium, uric acid, and creatinine, which may contribute to stone formation.
Ultrasound is a safe, painless, and radiation-free imaging test that can detect many kidney stones and identify swelling caused by urinary blockage. It is commonly recommended for pregnant women and patients who should avoid radiation exposure.
A CT KUB (Computed Tomography of the Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder) is considered one of the most accurate imaging tests for diagnosing kidney stones. It can detect even very small stones, determine their exact size and location, and help your urologist plan the most effective treatment.
Based on these test results, your doctor can determine whether the stone is likely to pass naturally with medication and hydration or whether advanced treatment such as RIRS, URS, or PCNL may be required.
Early diagnosis is important because untreated kidney stones can lead to severe pain, urinary tract infections, blockage of urine flow, and, in some cases, kidney damage.
At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, offers comprehensive evaluation for patients with suspected kidney stones. Using advanced diagnostic facilities, including ultrasound, CT imaging, and laboratory investigations, he accurately identifies the size and location of the stone before recommending a personalized treatment plan. His expertise in minimally invasive procedures such as RIRS, URS, and PCNL ensures effective treatment with faster recovery and improved patient outcomes.
