Kidney Stones Treatment: What I Tell My Patients
As a fellowship-trained urologist at Maple Urology in Vaughan, I’ve spent years helping patients and their families navigate the unexpected pain and confusion of kidney stones. If you or someone you love has faced this, you know it’s more than just a minor inconvenience—it can feel like a crisis. My goal is to demystify kidney stones, explain what’s happening in your body, and share the advanced kidney stones treatment options I offer to get you back to your life. Let’s walk through it together.
What Are Kidney Stones, Anyway?
In my practice, I see kidney stones as one of the most common yet misunderstood conditions. They’re small, hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys when your urine gets too concentrated. I’ve had patients describe them as tiny pebbles—or even golf balls in severe cases! Most are calcium-based, but they can also be uric acid, struvite, or cystine stones, depending on your diet, hydration, or health history. I tell my patients: think of your kidneys as filters. When those filters get clogged with buildup, stones can form, and that’s when trouble starts.
How Do You Know You Have Them?
I always ask my patients about their symptoms first. Have you felt a sharp, stabbing pain in your back or side that comes in waves? Maybe you’ve noticed blood in your urine—sometimes pink or red—or felt nauseous, vomited, or had a persistent urge to urinate. These are classic signs I look for. One patient recently told me, “Dr. Garbens, I thought it was just a pulled muscle until I couldn’t stand up!” That’s typical—kidney stones can sneak up on you, and I’m here to help you figure out if they’re the culprit.
Why Do They Happen?
In my experience, kidney stones don’t just appear out of nowhere—they have triggers. Dehydration is a big one. If you’re not drinking enough water (and I mean 8-10 glasses a day), your urine can’t dilute those minerals properly. Diet plays a role too—too much salt, protein, or oxalate-rich foods like spinach can tip the scales. I’ve seen it in families where stones run in the genes, or in patients with conditions like gout or urinary infections. Living in a busy place like the GTA, it’s easy to skip that extra glass of water, but I remind everyone: prevention starts with understanding the cause.
Kidney Stones Treatment: What I Offer
When you come to Maple Urology, I tailor your kidney stones treatment to what’s happening inside you. For small stones—say, less than 5 millimeters—I might suggest drinking plenty of water and taking pain relief to let them pass naturally. I’ll monitor you closely to make sure that works. But if your stone is larger, stuck, or causing complications like infections, that’s when my surgical expertise comes in.
I specialize in a number of urological surgeries, including treatments for kidney stones, renal masses (benign, malignant, or reconstructive), and bladder and prostate procedures. My expertise extends to minimally invasive techniques for the kidney, such as laparoscopic and percutaneous ultrasound-guided approaches. One of my go-to options for bigger stones is percutaneous nephrolithotomy, or PCNL. I make a small incision in your back and use ultrasound to guide me as I remove the stone. It’s precise, less invasive than traditional surgery, and gets you back on your feet faster—often within days instead of weeks.
I’ve also used laparoscopic techniques for complex cases, where I work through tiny incisions with specialized tools. Patients love that these methods mean less pain and smaller scars. One family told me after a PCNL, “We couldn’t believe how quickly he recovered—it was a game-changer.” That’s why I’m passionate about bringing these advanced options to Vaughan and the GTA.
What to Expect When You See Me
When you or your loved one visits my clinic, I start with a thorough evaluation. I’ll ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, then order tests like a CT scan or ultrasound to see the stone’s size and location. From there, I’ll walk you through your options. If surgery’s needed, I’ll explain every step—how I use ultrasound for accuracy in PCNL, or why laparoscopy might be best. My team and I aim to make you feel heard and supported, because I know this can be overwhelming.
Preventing Kidney Stones: My Advice
Once we’ve treated your kidney stones, I don’t want you back in my office for the same reason! Prevention is key. I tell my patients to aim for 2-3 liters of water daily—more if you’re active. Cut back on salty snacks and processed foods, and let’s talk about your diet if your stones are tied to specific minerals. If stones run in your family, I might suggest regular check-ups to catch issues early. One patient started carrying a water bottle everywhere after his treatment, and he’s been stone-free for years. Small changes can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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I get this a lot, and I reassure patients that with minimally invasive options like PCNL or laparoscopy, discomfort is minimal. I use small incisions and advanced tools, so most people feel manageable pain and recover quickly—often within days.
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For big stones, I recommend percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). I remove them through a tiny incision using ultrasound guidance. It’s effective, less invasive, and gets you relief faster than older methods.
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Yes, if your stone is small—under 5 millimeters—I’ll suggest water and pain relief to help it pass naturally. I’ll keep an eye on you to ensure it works, but larger stones often need surgical help.
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It depends on the method. With my minimally invasive PCNL, most patients are back to normal in a few days. Non-surgical cases might take a day or two if the stone passes easily.
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Side effects are rare with my techniques. You might have mild soreness or temporary blood in your urine after PCNL, but I use precise methods to keep risks low and recovery smooth.
Why I Do This
I’ve built Maple Urology to be a place where you and your family can find answers and relief. Kidney stones treatment isn’t just about removing a stone—it’s about giving you back your comfort and confidence. Whether it’s a quick fix or a high-tech procedure, I’m here with the latest tools and a personal approach. I’ve seen the relief on a spouse’s face when their partner’s pain stops, or the gratitude from a parent who can focus on their kids again. That’s what drives me.
If you’re wondering whether your symptoms point to kidney stones, or if you’re supporting someone through it, don’t wait. Reach out to Maple Urology. I’d love to help you take control of your health with expert care right here in Vaughan.
