Our team at the Freeman Hospital performs the highest number of operations for urinary system stones in the north east, and is one of the leading units in the UK.
Stones develop from crystals which separate from the urine within the urinary system. Stones are common and approximately 1 in 10 people will form a stone at some point in their lives. They can be found in the kidneys, or in the ureter (the tube leading from the kidney to the bladder).
Some stones will pass spontaneously without any intervention, some stones can be fragmented (broken up) with treatment known as lithotripsy, and other stones can be safely observed. However, some stones do need to be removed by having an operation.
The decision to go ahead with surgery depends on a number of factors including symptoms and the risk of developing problems caused by the stone. The type of operation depends on the size and location of the stone(s).
Lithotripsy treatment
With modern techniques, and the latest technology, most stone treatment at Newcastle is minimally invasive with a quick return to normal activities.
The urology team is a highly experienced in providing lithotripsy treatment, a specialist technique which treats stones in the kidney and ureter (the tube that takes the urine from the kidney to the bladder).
An innovative and minimally invasive technique called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is used to treat the stones without the need for surgery.
Instead, using either x-ray or an ultrasound scan to localise the stone, high energy shock waves are passed through the body to break the stones into tiny pieces which will then pass through the body when you urinate.
This procedure means you can come into the unit, have your treatment and return home the same day, to enjoy a rapid and stress free recovery.
Whilst the majority of small kidney stones can be treated using lithotripsy, large stones are not suitable for this type of treatment and will require removal using other methods.
How to find us
The lithotripsy clinic is based at Freeman Hospital. To find us:
- Come through the main entrance and follow the main corridor as far as you can go, passing the shop and hairdressers.
- The lithotripsy unit is directly ahead of you at the end of this corridor.
The team includes experienced specialist clinicians and nursing staff, supported by a team of healthcare professionals. Please note that although your appointment is with a named consultant you may be seen by a member of their team.
Uretrescopic stone removal
Ureteroscopic stone removal is an operation which is done with a small telescope. The operation does not involve any cuts in the skin and a laser may be used to fragment the stone. These operations take place daily in our unit, with success rates in excess of 95% and a low risk of complications.
See Ureteroscopy for more information.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is an operation to remove large stones (15mm or more) directly from the kidney. The advantage is that even very large stones are removed in a single operation, although a small cut is required to allow passage of the telescope into the kidney.
Compared to lithotripsy and ureteroscopic stone removal, the technique is more invasive and requires a longer stay in hospital (usually 2-4 days). We perform approximately 120 of these operations annually with high success rates.
See Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for more information on this form of treatment.
Staff you are likely to meet
Our consultant urologists who specialise in stone surgery are:
Please note that although your appointment is with a named consultant you may be seen by a member of their team.
