how long does it take to pass a kidney stone

Hello Anon

Thank you for writing.

I really feel for you - these kind of stones can cause unbearable pain.
It can take from days to weeks to pass but generally they pass within 3-4 weeks. If it still hasn't passed within 4 weeks you may need a medical intervention.

Smaller stones may pass by simply drinking a lot of water. In addition, there is a medication that can be given to help relax the muscles in the ureter walls , which will then help allow the stone to pass.

Larger stones can be more of a challenge to pass. These stones may respond to the use of sound waves to break up stones by a procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. ESWL uses sound waves to create strong vibrations, or shock waves, that literally break the stones into tiny pieces, which can then pass in the urine.

Unfortunately, due to their size and location, larger stones may require surgery to remove them.

In the case of surgery, a scope with a ureteroscope (a thin, lighted tube) equipped with a camera is passed through your urethra and bladder to your ureter to locate the stone.

Once the stone is found, specific tools break the stone into pieces, and then the pieces will pass in the urine.

And then, the doctor may insert a stent in the ureter to reduce swelling, which can also help it to heal. Most people do not even feel the stent. After the stent has been in place for a number of days it is usually removed in an outpatient setting without having to use full anesthesia.

Hopefully you won't need a surgical intervention.

Please update us when you can - I'll be thinking of you.
Best.
Susan