Kidney Stones: Advanced Treatment

Our specialists with the UCI Health Kidney Stone Center have extensive experience in the treatment and management of complex kidney stone disease.

Advanced technology

Our urologists are renowned for developing many of the minimally invasive technologies and methods that are widely used today to manage complex kidney stone disease. This allows our surgeons to treat patients for all aspects of kidney stone disease without the need for open surgery.

These technologies include:

• Thulium laser and Moses 2.0 laser technologies
• Virtual reality use in surgical planning
• Endoscopic-guided nephrostomy track creation
• Miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-perc), a less invasive approach to removing large stones

Ultrasound to detect and destroy

One successful treatment method is percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), which uses ultrasound guidance to reduce radiation exposure, and ureteroscopy, a device used to examine the inside of the urinary tract and make accurate access tracts. This unique application of direct vision and novel ultrasound technologies allows our experienced urologists to remove or destroy very large and complex stones safely and effectively.

We also have advanced operating suites designed specifically for minimally invasive kidney stone treatments. Ceiling-mounted, multi-screen booms give surgeons simultaneous views of fluoroscopic monitors and high-definition images from the ureterscope to ensure precision and safety.

Metabolic evaluation for stone prevention

After treatment to remove or destroy the stones, our kidney specialists work closely with nutritionists and dietitians to create a comprehensive plan to prevent kidney stones.

All patients with complex stone disease undergo a comprehensive evaluation, including 24-hour urine and serum metabolic evaluations. The results allow us to help our patients minimize or prevent development of future stones by optimizing diet, adding vitamin supplements and occasional medical therapy.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call us at 714-456-7005.