Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis Prevention)
Comprehensive metabolic evaluation to identify why you form stones, followed by targeted dietary and medication strategies so you don't form another.
What It Is
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that crystallize inside the kidneys. While urologists surgically remove or break up existing stones, nephrologists specialize in the medical and metabolic science of prevention — analyzing your blood, urine chemistry, and genetics to eliminate stone recurrence.
Why Your Doctor May Have Sent You
You have had one or more painful stone episodes, passed a stone, underwent lithotripsy, or had imaging that showed multiple stones remaining in your kidneys.
How Our Specialists Help
We perform an in-depth 24-hour urine metabolic profile (measuring calcium, oxalate, citrate, uric acid, pH, and volume) and blood evaluation. Based on your exact biochemical phenotype, Dr. Hozayen designs a personalized prevention plan combining fluid volume goals, specific dietary tweaks, and targeted medications if needed.
Diagnostic Workup & Testing
We avoid redundant testing by reviewing recent records first, ordering only targeted diagnostic studies:
- Comprehensive 24-Hour Urine Metabolic Chemistry (LithoLink / Renal stone panel)
- Serum calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and intact PTH
- Stone composition analysis (chemical crystallography of passed stone)
- Renal ultrasound or low-dose non-contrast helical CT scan
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
Modern renal medicine focuses on preserving existing nephrons and preventing complications:
- Structured fluid intake goals to maintain urine volume >2.5 liters daily
- Targeted urine alkalinization (potassium citrate) for uric acid and cystine stones
- Thiazide diuretics (chlorthalidone / indapamide) for idiopathic hypercalciuria
- Allopurinol or febuxostat for hyperuricosuria
- Dietary oxalate moderation, appropriate dietary calcium pairing, and sodium reduction
Common Symptoms to Monitor
- Severe cramping pain in the flank, back, or lower abdomen
- Pink, red, or brown blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea, vomiting, and difficulty finding a comfortable resting position
- Urgent or painful urination
When to See a Kidney Specialist
- You have formed more than one kidney stone in your lifetime
- You experienced your first kidney stone before the age of 25
- You have stones in both kidneys or a solitary functioning kidney
- You have a family history of kidney stones or a known history of bowel/gastrointestinal disease