Many kidney stone sufferers experience no symptoms in the early stages of the disease, according to Dr. Dr. Widi Atmoko, Sp.U (K), FECSM, FACS, a urologist at Eka Hospital MT Haryono and RS Universitas Indonesia.
“The most common symptom is actually the absence of symptoms,” Dr. Widi Atmoko said Wednesday during the Grand Launching of SURE, the Summit Robotic & Endourology Institute. “That’s why regular medical check-ups, at a minimum with ultrasound, are important.”
But, when a stone begins to move or grows in size, several warning signs can emerge. One of the most common is intense pain in the flank area. Dr. Widi Atmoko explained that even relatively small stones – as small as 5 millimeters – can cause significant pain as they navigate the narrow ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. The ureter’s diameter is approximately 4 millimeters, creating friction and pressure as the stone passes.
“Imagine a stone that’s small, for example, 5 millimeters, but passing through a narrow channel. The pain can be very severe,” he said.
The pain can radiate from the back to the lower abdomen and groin. Patients may likewise notice blood in their urine, caused by the stone’s abrasive surface scraping against the urinary tract walls. This can manifest as a reddish or brownish tinge, or visible traces of blood.
The presence of sand-like particles in urine can also be an indicator of kidney stones. Dr. Widi Atmoko cautioned against dismissing this as simply debris, emphasizing the importance of seeking medical evaluation.
“Urine may contain sand. It’s not just urine, but small stones can come out,” he stated.
In more severe cases, where a stone causes a blockage or infection, symptoms can escalate to include fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. These indicate a developing complication requiring immediate attention. The intense pain associated with kidney stones can also induce nausea as a physiological response.
Dr. Widi Atmoko stressed the importance of early detection, particularly for individuals with risk factors, as kidney stones often remain asymptomatic until they become more serious. He specializes in endourology, utilizing modern and minimally invasive technologies to treat kidney stones ranging from simple to complex cases, aiming for effective and pain-minimized care. He is also a consultant in andrology-urology, experienced in handling various male reproductive issues, including erectile dysfunction and infertility.