Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
Weill Cornell Medicine Urology
Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

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Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside the collecting system of the kidneys. 

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Kidney stones affect up to 5% of the population, with a lifetime risk of passing a kidney stone at about 8-10%. While more common in warmer southern states, they are a frequent reason for patients to seek urologic care in the northeast. Stones form twice as often in men as women. The peak age in men is 30 years; women have a bimodal age distribution, with peaks at 35 and 55 years. Once a kidney stone forms, the probability that a second stone will form within five to seven years is approximately 50%.

Kidney stones are small, hard mineral deposits that form inside the collecting system of the kidneys. These stones form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing the minerals to crystallize and adhere to one another. The most common minerals are calcium, oxalate, phosphate and acid salts. This may occur due to several reasons including dehydration, dietary factors, chronic urinary infection, and less commonly, an underlying metabolic disorder. They form within the kidney but may affect any part of the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters and/or bladder.

When you are diagnosed with a kidney stone, it is important to have a urologic evaluation in order to discuss your symptoms and management of the stone. Our specialists are available to provide an evaluation, as well as any needed follow-up treatment.

Once the stone has passed or been removed, it is important to determine your risk factors to minimize the chances of more episodes.

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Please call our office at 646-962-9600 to schedule an appointment via phone. Our phone staff are available to help you Monday-Friday, from 9AM-5PM (EST).

If you'd like to learn more about each of our providers that specialize in Kidney Stone treatment, please review the Physicians & Faculty profiles listed at the bottom of this page.

Kidney Stones - Risks & Causes

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In most cases, kidney stones have no definite, single cause. There are several general factors that may increase your risk. In addition, more specific causes may be detected once the type of stone you have formed has been diagnosed and the specifics of your diet and metabolism have been evaluated.

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Kidney Stones - Symptoms & Evaluation

Summary: 

Knowing the signs and symptoms of kidney stones may help when seeking treatment, as well as knowing when to seek immediate medical attention. A thorough evaluation of a patient who may have kidney stones can help confirm a diagnosis, help monitor any kidney stones that are present, and assess potential therapy and treatment options.

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Kidney Stones - Treatment Options

Summary: 

Treatment of your kidney stone depends on several factors that are specific to your case. Talking to your doctor about your treatment options will help determine how best to alleviate symptoms and put you on the path to recovery.

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Physicians & Faculty

Dr. Joseph Del Pizzo, M.D.

Joseph J. Del Pizzo

M.D.

(646) 962-9600
(646) 962-9600
AETNA [Medicare], AETNA-HMO, Aetna-NYP-EPO/POS, AETNA-PPO, Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, EBCBS Blue Access, EBCBS HMO, EBCBS Mediblue, EBCBS PPO/EPO, Empire BCBS HealthPlus (CHP), Federal Medicare, NY State Medicaid, Rockefeller University-CoreSource, UHC Medicare, United Healthcare Commercial
Brady Urologic Health Center

Patrick Samson

M.D.

718-230-7788
718-230-7788
Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Amida Care, Blue Priority Network, CIGNA, Emblem Select Care, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Fidelis Care, GHI PPO/CBP/Prem PPO (Emblem Exchange Products: Select Care Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Basic), Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP), Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) [Medicaid], Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) [Medicare], Oxford Freedom, Oxford Health Plans [Liberty], Oxford Health Plans [Medicare], Oxford Health Plans [Metro/Core/Charter], Rockefeller University-CoreSource, UHC Compass, United Empire Plan, United Health Care, United Health Care [Community Plan], Wellcare (Medicare, Medicaid, CHP)
Weill Cornell Medicine Urology - Brooklyn

Alfred Winkler

M.D., M.B.A.

(646) 962-9600
(646) 962-9600
AETNA [Medicare], AETNA-HMO, AETNA-PPO, Aetna-Weill Cornell POS, Affinity Access, Affinity Health Plan, Amida Care, Blue Priority Network, CIGNA, EBCBS HMO, EBCBS Mediblue, EBCBS Pathway X, EBCBS Pathway X Enhanced, EBCBS PPO/EPO, Emblem Select Care, Empire BCBS HealthPlus, Empire BCBS HealthPlus (CHP), Fidelis Care, GHI, Health First, Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP), Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) [Medicaid], Health Insurance Plan of NY (HIP) [Medicare], Medicaid, Medicare, Oxford Freedom, Oxford Health Plans [Liberty], Oxford Health Plans [Medicare], Oxford Health Plans [Metro/Core/Charter], POMCO, Rockefeller University-CoreSource, UHC Compass, UHC Medicare, United Empire Plan, United Health Care [Community Plan], United Healthcare Commercial, VNSNY CHOICE Medicare, VNSNY CHOICE SelectHealth

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