A ureteric stone is a kidney stone that has moved into the ureter — the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. This is one of the most painful urological emergencies, commonly presenting with intense flank pain, nausea, and difficulty urinating. Men are more likely to develop ureteric stones due to diet, hydration, metabolism, and anatomical factors.
Bangkok offers fast, expert treatment for ureteric stones, including advanced imaging, strong pain relief, and minimally invasive procedures such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.
This guide explains symptoms, causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment options for ureteric stones.
What Is a Ureteric Stone?
A ureteric stone is a mineral deposit that forms in the kidney and becomes stuck in the ureter as it moves toward the bladder.
The stone can:
Block urine flow
Cause severe pain
Lead to infection
Damage the kidney if untreated
The urgency of treatment depends on the stone’s size and its location (upper, mid, or lower ureter).
Symptoms of Ureteric Stones
Common symptoms include:
Sudden, severe flank or side pain (often radiating to the groin)
Nausea and vomiting
Frequent urge to urinate
Painful urination
Blood in urine (red, brown, or pink)
Difficulty finding a comfortable position
Sweating or restlessness
Fever (a medical emergency — may indicate infection)
Pain often comes in waves due to spasms of the ureter.
Causes of Ureteric Stones
Men are prone to stone formation for several reasons:
Lifestyle Factors
Dehydration
High salt intake
High protein diets
Low water consumption
Medical Factors
Kidney stone history
Gout or high uric acid
Obesity
Certain medications
Urinary infections
How Ureteric Stones Are Diagnosed
1. CT Scan (Non-Contrast)
The gold standard — determines:
Stone size
Stone density
Exact location
Level of obstruction
2. Ultrasound
Good first-line tool, especially for emergency screening.
3. Urinalysis
Checks for blood or infection.
4. Blood Tests
Evaluates kidney function, infection, and electrolytes.
A urologist will combine these tests to choose the safest treatment.
Treatment Options for Ureteric Stones
Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, symptoms, and degree of blockage.
1. Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET)
For smaller stones (≤5–6 mm)
Includes:
Pain medication
Hydration
Ureteral relaxation (Tamsulosin)
Up to 70% of small stones pass within 1–2 weeks.
2. Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Non-invasive soundwaves break stones into fragments.
Best for:
Upper ureter stones
Stones <1 cm
Patients avoiding surgery
Recovery: often same day.
3. Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy (URS)
A small camera is passed into the ureter; the stone is shattered with a laser and removed.
Best for:
Stones >6 mm
Lower ureter stones
Stones not passed after MET
Severe pain or obstruction
May include placement of a temporary ureteral stent.
4. Emergency Treatment
Required if:
Fever is present
Kidney function is impaired
Complete blockage occurs
Immediate drainage via:
Ureteral stent
Nephrostomy tube
Life-saving and mandatory before definitive treatment.
Recovery Timeline
Medical therapy: 1–2 weeks.
ESWL: 1–3 days.
Laser URS: 2–5 days.
If stent is placed: Mild discomfort until removal (7–14 days).
Expected Results
Effective treatment results in:
Pain relief
Removal of blockage
Normal urination
Prevention of infection
Protection of kidney function
Most ureteric stones are fully treatable with minimally invasive methods.
Risks & Safety Considerations
Possible issues include:
Temporary blood in urine
Stent discomfort
Pain after ESWL
Infection (requires antibiotics)
Rare ureter injury
Choosing an experienced urologist minimizes risks significantly.
Why Men Choose Bangkok for Ureteric Stone Treatment
Fast access to CT scans
Skilled stone specialists
Modern laser lithotripsy equipment
Less expensive than Western hospitals
Minimal downtime treatments
Private and discreet environment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can a ureteric stone pass on its own?
Yes — if ≤5–6 mm and not causing severe symptoms.
Is laser treatment safe?
Yes — very effective and minimally invasive.
Does drinking water help?
For small stones, yes — but not enough for larger ones.
When is it an emergency?
Fever, severe pain, or inability to urinate.
Do stones come back?
Recurrence is common without lifestyle changes.
Key Takeaways
Ureteric stones are painful and require fast diagnosis.
CT scan determines the best treatment approach.
Options include medication, shockwave, or laser removal.
Bangkok offers world-class stone management with minimal downtime.
Menscape provides rapid and discreet urology consultations.
📩 Experiencing stone symptoms? Book a private consultation at Menscape Bangkok today.
