Dr Mark McClure
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys when minerals—like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid—build up in the urine. They can range in size and may cause pain, blood in the urine, or other symptoms when they pass through the urinary tract. While passing small stones can be uncomfortable, larger stones may block the flow of urine and require more involved treatment.
Steps to get started
Our team will support you through every stage, from your first enquiry to your recovery.
Using Health Insurance
If you have private health insurance, check with your provider to see what’s covered. We’re happy to help with any paperwork and can work directly with many insurance companies to make the process smoother for you.
Paying for Treatment Yourself
If you’re paying for treatment yourself, we’ll give you clear information about costs and help you plan your care. You’ll know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees.
Costs
Service costs vary depending on individual needs, but our team is here to guide you. Get in touch to confirm fees and receive a clear, personalised breakdown before making any appointments.
Book an Appointment
You can book an appointment online, call our friendly team, or ask your GP for a referral.
We’re here to answer your questions, talk you through your options, and help you feel confident about your treatment.
Our Locations
Each site is equipped with modern facilities and experienced teams who will look after you throughout your treatment and recovery.
Our hospitals are easy to reach and offer a calm, comfortable environment to support your care. Wherever you decide to go, you’ll receive the same high standard of personalised treatment.
What treatments do we offer?
Investigations
To manage kidney stones medically, we first need to understand what’s causing them and how best to prevent new stones from forming:
Medical history review: We review your personal and family history, medications, and dietary habits to identify risk factors for kidney stones.
Stone analysis: If a stone is passed or removed, having it analysed in a lab helps identify its type (calcium, uric acid, etc.).
Blood tests: Check levels of calcium, uric acid, and kidney function. These tests help spot underlying issues that may be driving stone formation.
Urine tests: A 24-hour urine collection can measure the amounts of minerals, salts, and other substances in your urine. This test is key for uncovering imbalances or excesses that increase stone risk.
Imaging: Ultrasound or CT scans may be used to check for the size, location, and number of stones, and to ensure they are not causing a blockage.
Meet Our Consultants
Our consultants are specialists with years of experience. From your first consultation through to your recovery, you’ll be under the care of experts who are dedicated to helping you achieve the best possible results.
Medical treatment options
As a nephrologist, my focus is on medical (non-surgical) management—especially in preventing stones from coming back.
Most people with smaller or uncomplicated stones can be managed using medical strategies, including:
Managing conditions like high blood calcium (hyperparathyroidism), chronic dehydration, or metabolic disorders that contribute to stone formation.
Increased fluid intake: Drinking enough water is the most important step in preventing stones. Aim for at least 2-3L daily, unless advised otherwise.
Dietary changes: Tailored advice may include:
Reducing sodium (salt) intake.
Limiting foods high in oxalate (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) if you form calcium oxalate stones.
Moderating protein intake, especially animal proteins.
Including more fruits and vegetables to reduce urine acidity.
Medications: Depending on stone type and test results:
Thiazide diuretics to lower urine calcium levels (for calcium stones).
Potassium citrate to make urine less acidic (for uric acid or certain calcium stones).
Allopurinol to reduce uric acid production (for uric acid stones).
Other medicines to manage underlying conditions, such as controlling high calcium, reducing inflammation, or treating infections if present.
Treating underlying medical problems:
Managing conditions like high blood calcium (hyperparathyroidism), chronic dehydration, or metabolic disorders that contribute to stone formation.
Benefits of Medical Management
- Reduces the risk of recurrence: Identifying and addressing the underlying cause can significantly reduce your chances of developing new stones.
- Prevents complications: Early and ongoing management prevents problems like blocked urine flow, infections, or kidney damage.
- Improves quality of life: Fewer stone episodes mean less pain, fewer emergency visits, and less disruption to your daily life.
Personalised prevention: By tailoring recommendations to your unique risk factors, the medical approach helps you maintain long-term kidney health.
What Are The Expectations For Recovery?
Prevention: Taking steps to prevent stones is an ongoing process; benefits grow over months as healthy changes become part of your daily routine.
Long-term management: For those with underlying metabolic causes or repeat stones, maintaining regular follow-ups and monitoring may be a lifelong journey.
Your care plan will be reviewed and adjusted as your needs change, keeping prevention and well-being at the centre of treatment.
No GP referral is needed to discuss metabolic evaluation and the medical management of kidney stones. If a surgical procedure is needed, a seamless referral to urology specialists will be arranged.