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Kidney Stone Management in Delaware

 

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, are a common problem and one of the most frequent causes of kidney pain. Kidney stones are hardened deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain in the abdomen, groin, or back.

Kidney stone pain can be managed with pain medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as well as procedures like shock wave lithotripsy or ureteroscopy. Some kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without invasive treatment.

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What Is Hematuria?

 

Hematuria is the medical term for blood in the urine. While several conditions can cause hematuria, it is often a sign of a kidney or bladder problem and may indicate the presence of kidney stones.

In some cases, hematuria is only detectable under a microscope. In others, it may cause urine to appear pink, red, or brown. Hematuria may occur alone or along with symptoms such as painful urination or cloudy urine.

If you notice blood in your urine, it is important to consult a doctor for kidney stones as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause.

Our Process

 

At Nephrology Consultants, P.A., we help patients manage every aspect of kidney stone evaluation, pain relief, and prevention. Patients looking for kidney stone doctors in Delaware can trust our team for timely care and clear guidance.

Our nephrologists are trained and experienced in providing kidney stone emergency treatment, working closely with urology specialists when advanced procedures are needed.

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Our Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

 

For Small Kidney Stones

Small kidney stones often do not require invasive treatment and may pass naturally. They could be passed on by:

  • Drinking plenty of water:
    Our health experts advise drinking up to two to three quarts of water daily. Proper hydration keeps urine diluted and helps prevent stone formation.
  • Use of pain relievers:
    Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium may be prescribed to manage discomfort while the stone passes.
  • Medical therapy:
    Alpha-blocker medications may be recommended to relax the ureter muscles, allowing kidney stones to pass more quickly and with less pain.

For Large Kidney Stones

Large kidney stones that cannot pass on their own may cause kidney damage, bleeding, or infections in the urinary tract. In such cases, consulting a kidney stone specialist may be required.

At Nephrology Consultants, P.A., we work closely with trusted urology partners and refer patients to the appropriate urology specialists for kidney stone care in Delaware when necessary.

Here are some procedures we follow for removing large kidney stones:

  • Breaking up stones using sound waves (ESWL):
    Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can pass through urine. The procedure typically lasts 45–60 minutes.
  • Surgical removal:
    Percutaneous nephrolithotomy involves surgically removing kidney stones using specialized instruments and small telescopes.
  • Stone removal using a scope:
    A ureteroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a camera) is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney. Stones are broken into smaller pieces and removed. A temporary stent may be placed to reduce swelling and aid healing.
  • Parathyroid gland surgery (when indicated):
    Overactive parathyroid glands can cause calcium phosphate stones. These glands are located in the four corners of the thyroid gland. When these glands produce too much parathyroid hormone, the calcium level in the body can become too high, leading to kidney stones. This situation is called hyperparathyroidism and can lead to the formation of small tumors in the parathyroid glands.

When to See a Renal Dietitian for Kidney Stones

 

Diet plays a crucial role in kidney stone prevention. Patients with recurrent stones may benefit from consulting a renal dietitian near them to identify dietary triggers, manage calcium and oxalate intake, and reduce the risk of future stone formation, especially for those with underlying kidney conditions.

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Expert Kidney Stone Care by Dr. Manish Garg
 

Kidney stone care at Nephrology Consultants, P.A. is led by Dr. Manish Garg, MD, FACP, FASN, the practice’s founder and a board-certified nephrologist serving patients across Delaware.

Dr. Garg is board-certified in Nephrology and Internal Medicine, licensed in Delaware and Maryland, and completed his residency at St. Luke’s - Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University. He specializes in kidney stone evaluation, prevention, and medical management.

A Fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Society of Nephrology, Dr. Garg delivers evidence-based, patient-centered kidney stone care.

Trusted Kidney Stone Doctors Across Delaware

 

If you are searching for reliable kidney stone doctors in Delaware, Nephrology Consultants, P.A. provides expert, patient-centered kidney care throughout the state.

Our Delaware Locations

Nephrology Consultants, P.A. proudly serves patients across Delaware with four convenient locations:

  • Wilmington, DE
  • Newark / Bear, DE
  • Dover, DE
  • Middletown, DE

With accessible locations and experienced kidney stone specialists, we make it easy to receive high-quality kidney care close to home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kidney stone management involves diagnosing the stone type and size, relieving pain, helping the stone pass safely, and preventing future stones. Treatment may include hydration, medications, dietary changes, and medical or surgical procedures, depending on the severity of the condition.

The best treatment for kidney stones depends on the stone’s size, location, and composition. Small stones often pass with fluids and pain medication, while larger or recurrent stones may require procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or other specialized treatments guided by a kidney stone specialist.

A nephrologist is best for evaluating kidney stones, managing pain, identifying underlying causes, and preventing recurrence. When procedural removal is needed, nephrologists work closely with urologists to ensure comprehensive kidney stone care.
 

Kidney stones may be removed naturally by increasing fluid intake and using medications that relax the urinary tract. If a stone does not pass on its own, medical procedures such as shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or surgical removal may be recommended.

Common symptoms of kidney stones include:

  • Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
  • Pain that radiates to the groin
  • Blood in the urine (hematuria)
  • Painful or frequent urination
  • Nausea or vomiting

To reduce the risk of kidney stones, patients are often advised to avoid:

  • Dehydration and low fluid intake
  • Excess salt and processed foods
  • High-oxalate foods (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, when advised)
  • Excess animal protein
  • Overuse of supplements without medical guidance

Dietary recommendations may vary based on the type of stone and should be guided by a nephrologist or renal dietitian.

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