MenuDiagnosis
Kidney stones can present either with or without symptoms. The most common asymptomatic presentation is an incidental finding on imaging for investigation of another condition. The typical symptomatic presentation is severe excruciating flank pain on the side of the stone and radiating towards the groin. Sometimes, it also results in urinary frequency and urgency if the stone is near the bladder. Nausea and vomiting at the time of pain can also be a feature. The condition may be associated with visible blood in the urine, infection and/or kidney failure. If the latter two problems occur, it is a surgical emergency requiring immediate treatment. The definitive diagnosis of a stone is made by imaging tests, and the best available is a non-contrast CT scan of the abdomen (kidneys, ureter, and bladder) in combination with a plain abdominal x-ray. This can also rule out other causes of severe abdominal pain which require an alternate course in management.
