Steps to Take to Get 100% Stone Free

March is National Kidney Month. If you are at risk for developing kidney stones or have had kidney stones in the past, Chesapeake Urology specialists have important tips for preventing kidney stone disease and living a stone free life.

According to Julio Davalos, M.D., director of Chesapeake Urology’s kidney stone program, anyone can produce kidney stones, but certain individuals are more prone to them because of hereditary factors and even lifestyle issues.

“For many patients, kidney stones can be a lifelong problem, which is why we are focused on getting patients 100% stone free for the long term,” says Dr. Davalos. “The passing or surgical removal of a kidney stone is only a part of our comprehensive treatment program that combines medical metabolic management and annual exams with carefully designed kidney stone prevention plans.”

WHY METABOLIC MEDICAL MANAGEMENT IS CRITICAL TO KEEPING YOU STONE FREE

The first step in kidney stone prevention is to understand why the body is producing kidney stones. Dr. Davalos stresses the importance of metabolic evaluation and management as a critical component of his comprehensive kidney stone prevention plan. The metabolic medical evaluation includes:

1. Urine tests
2. Blood work
3. Crystal analysis (when a stone or fragment of the stone is available)

Understanding the factors that caused the body to produce kidney stones in the past ultimately helps your urologist to map out a comprehensive treatment and prevention plan. Dr. Davalos’ prevention plan includes regular follow-up visits and lab work to monitor a patient’s progress. Regular follow-up and adherence to the recommended prevention plan can help patients remain 100% stone free.

Learn more about metabolic medical evaluation for kidney stones here.

For more information on kidney stones and getting 100% stone free, visit https://www.chesapeakeurology.com/conditions/kidney-stones/, call 866-953-3111 or find a Chesapeake Urology physician near you.