What should you know about a urologist for kidney stones?

Urologists specialise in the urinary tract and the organs that make or carry urine. For a suspected stone, they may review your pain pattern, urine symptoms, medical history and any scans. A stone can sit in the kidney or move into the ureter, the narrow tube leading to the bladder. Its location and size help guide the next step.

Assessment may include urine testing, blood tests or imaging such as an abdominal ultrasound. The aim is to identify a stone, check whether urine can drain, and look for signs that need prompt treatment. A GP can help arrange an initial assessment, while a urologist is useful when symptoms persist, a stone is causing obstruction, or specialist treatment may be needed.

Take a list of medicines, allergies and previous stone episodes. Note when the pain began, where it travels, whether you have vomited, and any change in urine. Mention fever, painful urination, difficulty passing urine or reduced fluid intake. Bring reports or images from earlier tests if available.

Do not take leftover antibiotics or someone else’s pain medicine. Ask which pain relief and fluid intake are appropriate for you, particularly if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or take regular medicines. Treatment may involve observation, symptom control, a procedure to remove or break up the stone, or another plan chosen after assessment.

Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening flank or abdominal pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, repeated vomiting, faintness, or difficulty passing urine. A blocked urinary system with infection can become serious and needs prompt assessment. Do not wait for a routine specialist appointment if these warning signs appear.

Ask: Where is the stone, and is urine flow blocked? Do I need an abdominal ultrasound or another scan? What symptoms mean I should return urgently? Is monitoring reasonable, and how will we know whether the stone has passed? Which treatment options fit my health history? How can I reduce the chance of another stone?