Stone Disease

Conditions treated by Dr Basto

Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, often described as one of the most intense types of discomfort. These stones can vary in size and type, including calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. Symptoms typically include sharp pain in the back or side, blood in the urine and frequent urination.

Management strategies depend on the size and location of the stone. Smaller stones may pass naturally with increased fluid intake, pain management and expulsive medications such as alpha-blockers, while larger stones may require medical intervention. Treatments include ureteroscopy to remove or fragment stones, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break the stones or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger stones.  Less commonly, minimally invasive or open procedures are required to remove the stones.

Bladder stones are solid masses that form in the bladder, often because of urinary retention, infection or dehydration. Symptoms can include frequent urination, pain during urination, blood in the urine or pelvic discomfort. Small stones may pass on their own, but larger stones may require treatment.

Management options include cystolitholapaxy where the stone is broken up and removed using a cystoscope. In some cases, open surgery may be required for particularly large or complicated stones. In addition to treatment, Dr Basto will offer detailed evaluation and prevention strategies to minimise the risk of bladder stone formation and importantly also address predisposing conditions such as an enlarged prostate, urethral strictures or bladder dysfunction.