Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421
Kidney Ultrasound and CT Scan for Diagnosis of Kidney Stones
In patients with symptoms suggestive of kidney stones such as flank pain, blood in urine, back pain, urinary tract infections or kidney infection, kidney ultrasound or a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is usually performed. The advantage of kidney ultrasound is that it is an non-invasive test and does not expose patient to radiation. Kidney ultrasound is an excellent option when it comes to diagnosis of kidney stones. When it comes to ureteral stones kidney ultrasound may miss a diagnosis and CT provides a more reliable tool.
CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis is the most effective diagnostic tool in diagnosing kidney and ureteral stones. CT does require a small radiation exposure which is not known to cause any significant problems in most patients. However in patients with recurrent kidney stones who may require multiple CT scans over many years a significant cumulative radiation exposure can result. We try to minimize radiation exposure by using renal ultrasound whenever possible.
Treatment Options for Kidney Stones include ESWL, ureteroscopy, PCNL and close observation.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4421
Dr. Shteynshlyuger has performed hundreds of ureteroscopy and lithotripsy procedures for large kidney stones, in addition to ESWL procedures. He is among a select number of urologists in the United States who performs PCNL for large kidney stones.