Is pain in your side or back coming in waves?
Kidney stones form when minerals in urine crystallize and stick together. Some cause intense pain; others cause none until they move.
Which signs should you watch for?
- Pain between the lower ribs and hip that may spread to the groin.
- Pain that rises and falls in waves.
- Burning, frequent urges, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
- Shivering or a temperature, a possible sign the stone has become infected. Head to an emergency room if stone pain arrives with fever, if vomiting means you cannot keep liquids down, or if no position brings relief.
Will I need a procedure?
Often not. Many stones pass with the right management. Your first visit uses imaging and lab work to judge whether yours is likely to. The Lawrenceville office handles that testing on site, and if a stone does need treatment, it happens in the same building.
Which stone treatments do we offer in Lawrenceville?
- Shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): energy pulses delivered through the skin crumble the stone.
- Ureteroscopy: a slim scope travels up the urinary tract and a laser fragments the stone, no cut required.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger stones.
If you have had stones before, ask about the cause. Fluids, diet, citrate levels and conditions such as gout, diabetes or parathyroid problems can all be part of the picture.
If a symptom is sudden, severe or comes with fever, use the emergency room rather than waiting for an appointment.
Ready to see one of our urologists? Call us to book a visit in Lawrenceville or Braselton.
Call (678) 344-8900What should you expect at your stone visit?
At Crown Pointe Way, imaging and urine tests show the stone's size and location. Little stones in a comfortable patient may get a prescription that relaxes the ureter and a repeat scan a few weeks later. Larger or blocking stones are scheduled for treatment in the same building.
What do people ask about kidney stones?
How long does a stone take to pass?
It varies with size and location; our team will tell you what to expect for yours.
Can I keep a second stone from forming?
Many Gwinnett patients can, once a collection of urine over one full day shows which drink and menu changes matter.
What else do patients ask?
Can Lawrenceville patients have imaging and procedures in one place?
Many can. Lab work, imaging and outpatient surgery all happen inside the Lawrenceville Clinic & Surgery Center at 501 Crown Pointe Way, so fewer separate appointments are needed.
What happens after I book online?
Our Gwinnett scheduling team confirms the time, notes your main concern and lets you know what paperwork, medication list and insurance card to have ready.
What else do patients ask about this?
Do all stones need surgery?
No. Many small stones work their way out with extra fluids, medicine and a little patience.
Should I save a stone if it passes?
Yes, if you can. Lab analysis tells us what it is made of and guides prevention.
Can bladder symptoms be caused by a stone?
Sometimes. A stone near the bladder can cause urgency and burning, which is one reason we test before treating.
Is a referral needed before a kidney stone appointment?
Usually not; check your plan if unsure.
Can I go to the ER first?
Head there straight away for fever or unbearable pain, then book with our Braselton team to handle the stone.
Will I see the same physician for my procedure?
Yes. The Braselton physician who evaluates you performs the procedure in Lawrenceville.
Which stone symptoms need the ER?
Fever with stone pain, vomiting that will not stop, or pain you cannot control all need the emergency room.
Can I prevent stones?
Often, yes. Fluids and diet changes help, and we may test your urine to tailor advice.
Which videos can help?
Watch on YouTube: Kidney Stones and Ureteroscopy - Everything you need to knowWhat the video covers: An overview of kidney stones and ureteroscopy, the scope procedure used to treat many stones.
- Watch: Kidney Stones and Ureteroscopy - Everything you need to know
- Watch: Kidney Stones? 3 Ways to Remove Them
These open on Advanced Urology's YouTube channel.
Ready to talk with our urologists? We're here for you.