26th June 2023

Management

The most useful imaging to confirm diagnosis is a non-contrast CT Kidney Ureter and Bladder (KUB).
First line management of pain associated with renal calculi is with NSAIDs, e.g. diclofenac.
Further management of renal calculi depends on the size of stone, location, severity of symptoms and age. Options include:

• Watchful waiting if stone is less than 5mm
• Medical expulsive therapy – using an alpha blocker to help stone passage if it is in the distal ureter and less than 10mm
• Surgical options are offered when pain is ongoing or stone is unlikely to pass. Options include:
  • Shock wave lithotripsy
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
  • Ureteroscopy
  • Open surgery