Kidney StonesSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in one or both kidneys. The stones are made up of minerals and other substances that are found in the urine. Kidney stones vary in size, shape, and color. To be cleared from the body, the stones travel through the ducts (ureters) that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder and then leave the body during urination.
Kidney stones can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, common changes in several genes likely combine with environmental and lifestyle factors to increase the risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney stones affect approximately 10 percent of people worldwide. Research suggests that the prevalence of kidney stones is increasing.
When kidney stones are caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, they do not follow a clear pattern of inheritance. However, the risk of developing kidney stones is greater for individuals who have a family history of the condition.
Duke Urology Clinic - Clinic 1G
I am a urologist who specializes in the medical and surgical management of kidney stones. My practice focuses on comprehensive kidney stone management. I perform a high volume of kidney stone surgeries, including cases with complex anatomy or large kidney stone burden. In addition, I perform evaluations to determine the cause of stones and then provide specific recommendations to prevent future stones. During our visit, I look forward to learning about you and obtaining a thorough history of your past experiences with kidney stones. After we review your laboratory results and imaging, we will discuss the best options to treat your current kidney stones and strategies to prevent them in the future. Dr. Antonelli is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kidney Stones. She is also highly rated in 18 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Kidney Stones, Boils, Carbuncle, Ureteroscopy, and Lithotripsy. Dr. Antonelli is board certified in American Board Of Urology, Urology.
Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center
My clinical interests include the minimally invasive management of urinary tract stones, including shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous, and ureteroscopic stone removal. I completed my training at the University of North Carolina in 1983 and was an American Urological Association Scholar (1983-1985) in the Division of Mineral Metabolism at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas. In 1993, I returned to North Carolina as professor of urological surgery and director of the Duke Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center. Dr. Preminger is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kidney Stones. He is also highly rated in 19 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Kidney Stones, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Boils, Lithotripsy, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Preminger is board certified in American Board Of Urology, Urology.
Duke Ambulatory Surgery Center
I am focused on the surgical and medical management of kidney stones. I do a large volume of surgeries for kidney stones, however what gives me the most satisfaction in my practice is helping my patients prevent kidney stone recurrence. I work closely with my patients to determine the specific causes for their kidney stones. We review this information and then decide on a preventative plan, which often includes dietary changes and even medications. I find it extremely rewarding to help my patients prevent kidney stones, as many of them are surprised that it is possible to prevent them. Dr. Lipkin is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Kidney Stones. He is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Kidney Stones, UPJ Obstruction, Boils, Lithotripsy, and Ureteroscopy. Dr. Lipkin is board certified in American Board Of Urology, Urology.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of alkaptonuria and collect medical data on patients who may later participate in new drug trials for this rare genetic disease. In alkaptonuria, a pigment called homogentisic acid collects in bone and connective tissue, causing arthritis and eventually bone fractures, and also causes discoloration in the ears and whites of the eyes. Some...
Summary: Retrograde intrarenal surgery is commonly performed under general anesthesia for the treatment of renal stones. During the procedure, respiratory-related renal movement caused by positive-pressure ventilation may impair endoscopic image stability and reduce the efficiency of laser lithotripsy. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of normal ventilation and low tidal volume v...
Published Date: June 18, 2026
Published By: National Institutes of Health