All of our urologists at Urology Associates are specially trained in the most advanced management techniques for kidney stone treatment. This is one of the most common Urologic health problems. Stones affect 5 – 6% of the U.S. population, and Fredericksburg is in the so called “stone belt” that runs across the southeastern United States. Kidney stones grow slowly in affected patients (over several years) and do not usually cause pain until they move or obstruct the kidney.

When a typical 3- 4 mm stone drops into the ureter, (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), this is termed “passing a stone” and it can cause tremendous pain, nausea and vomiting. With medical treatment, 70% of these stones will pass on their own, usually within 1 to 2 weeks.

However, stones that become lodged in the ureter, or stones that are larger than 5mm may require surgical removal. Doctors Carey, Hoffman, Becker, Sell, Szlyk, DuMont, Beamon, and Hill perform approximately 600 kidney stone related surgeries per year. This includes shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy and holmium laser, and percutaneous stone removal (through the kidney). We employ the most technologically up-to-date radiologic and laser equipment and scopes, in an effort to cure the kidney stone condition.

We perform these procedures at the following centers:

• Mary Washington Hospital
• Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center
• Fredericksburg Area Surgery Center

Kidney stones can be treated on an outpatient basis and our stone surgery success rates are outstanding.

Once the acute stone episode has resolved, either by spontaneous stone passage or by surgery, we shift our efforts to try to help patients prevent future kidney stones. This is done with the aide of specific stone analysis tests, urine and blood tests, all of which can be done through our office laboratory. Our urologists can medically or surgically help manage all types of kidney stones for patients in the region.