Kidney stones (urolithiasis)
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallise in the urine, and they may cause no problems for a long time. But when a stone moves and blocks the flow of urine, it triggers renal colic – one of the most intense pains there is. At the Proctocare office in Bratislava, overseen by the urologist MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, we diagnose stones on ultrasound, ease the symptoms and set out the next steps, including prevention of recurrences.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder directly at the office, as part of the initial examination
- The lead urologist, MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, also practices at Bory Hospital – we can smoothly direct you to surgical treatment
- A fast appointment usually within a few days, patients with colic are seen with priority
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What are kidney stones
Urolithiasis is the formation of solid deposits – stones – in the kidneys and urinary tract. They develop when too many crystallising substances (most often calcium, oxalates or uric acid) accumulate in the urine while there is too little urine, typically when you do not drink enough.
Small stones often pass in the urine unnoticed. A larger stone, however, can get stuck in the ureter, block the flow of urine and trigger renal colic – a sudden, cramping pain in the flank that shoots into the lower abdomen and groin. Blocked urine is also a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why stones are often accompanied by a kidney infection.
Symptoms of kidney stones
The symptoms depend on the size and position of the stone – from completely silent stones to dramatic colic.
- Sharp, wave-like pain in the flank or lower back shooting into the lower abdomen and groin (renal colic)
- Nausea and vomiting accompanying the pain
- Blood in the urine – visible or detected only by analysis
- Burning and a frequent urge to urinate, an interrupted stream of urine
- Fever and chills – a warning sign of an associated infection
Causes and risk factors
- Not drinking enough and concentrated urine
- A diet rich in salt, animal protein and oxalates
- Kidney stones in the family or a previous stone
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Metabolic disorders (gout, calcium disorders), obesity, diabetes
- Excessive sweating and working in a hot environment
Anyone who has had one stone has a high risk of forming another unless they change their habits. That is why prevention of recurrences is part of our care.
Diagnosis at our clinic
We can confirm suspected stones directly at the office, without waiting for appointments elsewhere.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder shows the stones and any build-up of urine above the obstruction. It is part of the initial urological examination.
Urine analysis
A chemical and microscopic examination of the urine reveals blood, crystals and signs of infection.
Urine culture with sensitivity testing
If an associated infection is suspected, we identify the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Assessment and plan
Depending on the size and position of the stone, we propose the next steps – from monitoring, through helping the stone pass, to referral for surgical treatment.
Treatment of kidney stones at our clinic
Conservative management
Smaller stones often pass on their own. We help them pass with medication, plenty of fluids and monitoring on ultrasound.
Relieving pain and infection
We ease renal colic with painkillers and antispasmodics, and treat any associated infection with antibiotics according to the culture.
Lithotripsy and surgery – in a hospital
We do not perform shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic or open surgery. We prepare the complete diagnostic work-up and direct you to a specialised centre; MUDr. Rybár also practices at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor
Renal colic is an acute condition. Seek help without delay if you have:
- Sharp flank pain that does not ease even with ordinary painkillers
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills – there is a risk of infection in the blocked kidney
- Blood in the urine
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- A sudden stop in urination or a marked drop in the amount of urine
Patients with colic are seen with priority
Call +421 948 687 667 – acute cases are booked with priority. Fever with a blocked kidney requires immediate hospital treatment.
Frequently asked questions about kidney stones
Stones up to roughly 5 mm in size mostly pass spontaneously in the urine, and we can help with medication and plenty of fluids. Larger stones, or stones that block the flow of urine, usually require lithotripsy or endoscopic removal in a hospital.
No. Lithotripsy and stone surgery are performed in a hospital. At our clinic we provide the diagnosis on ultrasound, ease the symptoms, rule out infection and prepare you, with complete documentation, for the right specialised centre.
Typical is a sudden, very severe cramping pain in the flank or lower back that comes in waves and shoots into the lower abdomen or groin. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and restlessness – the patient cannot find a position that brings relief.
The basis is drinking enough fluids to pass at least 2 to 2.5 litres of pale urine a day. It is recommended to limit salt and excess animal protein; further dietary changes depend on the type of stone and we set them up individually at a check-up.
The first choice is an ultrasound, which shows stones in the kidneys as well as any build-up of urine, supplemented by a urine analysis. We have ultrasound directly at the office as part of the initial examination. If a CT scan is needed before a procedure, we direct you to it.
You usually get an appointment with us within a few days, with no referral. Patients with acute problems, such as colic or blood in the urine, are seen with priority.
Related topics
Kidney infection
A stone blocking the flow of urine is a common cause of a kidney infection – a combination that needs a doctor's attention immediately.
Blood in urine
Stones are one of the most common causes of blood in the urine. An examination distinguishes a stone from other, including more serious, causes.
Urinary tract infections
Recurrent infections promote the formation of stones, and stones in turn keep infections going – we tackle both problems at once.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Flank pain or suspected stones?
Book on +421 948 687 667 – we do the kidney ultrasound and urine analysis during a single visit in Bratislava and set up a plan for treatment and prevention.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Kidney stones (urolithiasis)
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallise in the urine, and they may cause no problems for a long time. But when a stone moves and blocks the flow of urine, it triggers renal colic – one of the most intense pains there is. At the Proctocare office in Bratislava, overseen by the urologist MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, we diagnose stones on ultrasound, ease the symptoms and set out the next steps, including prevention of recurrences.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder directly at the office, as part of the initial examination
- The lead urologist, MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, also practices at Bory Hospital – we can smoothly direct you to surgical treatment
- A fast appointment usually within a few days, patients with colic are seen with priority
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What are kidney stones
Urolithiasis is the formation of solid deposits – stones – in the kidneys and urinary tract. They develop when too many crystallising substances (most often calcium, oxalates or uric acid) accumulate in the urine while there is too little urine, typically when you do not drink enough.
Small stones often pass in the urine unnoticed. A larger stone, however, can get stuck in the ureter, block the flow of urine and trigger renal colic – a sudden, cramping pain in the flank that shoots into the lower abdomen and groin. Blocked urine is also a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why stones are often accompanied by a kidney infection.
Symptoms of kidney stones
The symptoms depend on the size and position of the stone – from completely silent stones to dramatic colic.
- Sharp, wave-like pain in the flank or lower back shooting into the lower abdomen and groin (renal colic)
- Nausea and vomiting accompanying the pain
- Blood in the urine – visible or detected only by analysis
- Burning and a frequent urge to urinate, an interrupted stream of urine
- Fever and chills – a warning sign of an associated infection
Causes and risk factors
- Not drinking enough and concentrated urine
- A diet rich in salt, animal protein and oxalates
- Kidney stones in the family or a previous stone
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Metabolic disorders (gout, calcium disorders), obesity, diabetes
- Excessive sweating and working in a hot environment
Anyone who has had one stone has a high risk of forming another unless they change their habits. That is why prevention of recurrences is part of our care.
Diagnosis at our clinic
We can confirm suspected stones directly at the office, without waiting for appointments elsewhere.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder shows the stones and any build-up of urine above the obstruction. It is part of the initial urological examination.
Urine analysis
A chemical and microscopic examination of the urine reveals blood, crystals and signs of infection.
Urine culture with sensitivity testing
If an associated infection is suspected, we identify the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Assessment and plan
Depending on the size and position of the stone, we propose the next steps – from monitoring, through helping the stone pass, to referral for surgical treatment.
Treatment of kidney stones at our clinic
Conservative management
Smaller stones often pass on their own. We help them pass with medication, plenty of fluids and monitoring on ultrasound.
Relieving pain and infection
We ease renal colic with painkillers and antispasmodics, and treat any associated infection with antibiotics according to the culture.
Lithotripsy and surgery – in a hospital
We do not perform shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic or open surgery. We prepare the complete diagnostic work-up and direct you to a specialised centre; MUDr. Rybár also practices at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor
Renal colic is an acute condition. Seek help without delay if you have:
- Sharp flank pain that does not ease even with ordinary painkillers
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills – there is a risk of infection in the blocked kidney
- Blood in the urine
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- A sudden stop in urination or a marked drop in the amount of urine
Patients with colic are seen with priority
Call +421 948 687 667 – acute cases are booked with priority. Fever with a blocked kidney requires immediate hospital treatment.
Frequently asked questions about kidney stones
Stones up to roughly 5 mm in size mostly pass spontaneously in the urine, and we can help with medication and plenty of fluids. Larger stones, or stones that block the flow of urine, usually require lithotripsy or endoscopic removal in a hospital.
No. Lithotripsy and stone surgery are performed in a hospital. At our clinic we provide the diagnosis on ultrasound, ease the symptoms, rule out infection and prepare you, with complete documentation, for the right specialised centre.
Typical is a sudden, very severe cramping pain in the flank or lower back that comes in waves and shoots into the lower abdomen or groin. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and restlessness – the patient cannot find a position that brings relief.
The basis is drinking enough fluids to pass at least 2 to 2.5 litres of pale urine a day. It is recommended to limit salt and excess animal protein; further dietary changes depend on the type of stone and we set them up individually at a check-up.
The first choice is an ultrasound, which shows stones in the kidneys as well as any build-up of urine, supplemented by a urine analysis. We have ultrasound directly at the office as part of the initial examination. If a CT scan is needed before a procedure, we direct you to it.
You usually get an appointment with us within a few days, with no referral. Patients with acute problems, such as colic or blood in the urine, are seen with priority.
Related topics
Kidney infection
A stone blocking the flow of urine is a common cause of a kidney infection – a combination that needs a doctor's attention immediately.
Blood in urine
Stones are one of the most common causes of blood in the urine. An examination distinguishes a stone from other, including more serious, causes.
Urinary tract infections
Recurrent infections promote the formation of stones, and stones in turn keep infections going – we tackle both problems at once.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Flank pain or suspected stones?
Book on +421 948 687 667 – we do the kidney ultrasound and urine analysis during a single visit in Bratislava and set up a plan for treatment and prevention.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk
Kidney stones (urolithiasis)
Kidney stones form when minerals crystallise in the urine, and they may cause no problems for a long time. But when a stone moves and blocks the flow of urine, it triggers renal colic – one of the most intense pains there is. At the Proctocare office in Bratislava, overseen by the urologist MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, we diagnose stones on ultrasound, ease the symptoms and set out the next steps, including prevention of recurrences.
- Ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder directly at the office, as part of the initial examination
- The lead urologist, MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, also practices at Bory Hospital – we can smoothly direct you to surgical treatment
- A fast appointment usually within a few days, patients with colic are seen with priority
- We speak English
Bratislava – Bernolákova 9 (STEIN II)
What are kidney stones
Urolithiasis is the formation of solid deposits – stones – in the kidneys and urinary tract. They develop when too many crystallising substances (most often calcium, oxalates or uric acid) accumulate in the urine while there is too little urine, typically when you do not drink enough.
Small stones often pass in the urine unnoticed. A larger stone, however, can get stuck in the ureter, block the flow of urine and trigger renal colic – a sudden, cramping pain in the flank that shoots into the lower abdomen and groin. Blocked urine is also a breeding ground for bacteria, which is why stones are often accompanied by a kidney infection.
Symptoms of kidney stones
The symptoms depend on the size and position of the stone – from completely silent stones to dramatic colic.
- Sharp, wave-like pain in the flank or lower back shooting into the lower abdomen and groin (renal colic)
- Nausea and vomiting accompanying the pain
- Blood in the urine – visible or detected only by analysis
- Burning and a frequent urge to urinate, an interrupted stream of urine
- Fever and chills – a warning sign of an associated infection
Causes and risk factors
- Not drinking enough and concentrated urine
- A diet rich in salt, animal protein and oxalates
- Kidney stones in the family or a previous stone
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Metabolic disorders (gout, calcium disorders), obesity, diabetes
- Excessive sweating and working in a hot environment
Anyone who has had one stone has a high risk of forming another unless they change their habits. That is why prevention of recurrences is part of our care.
Diagnosis at our clinic
We can confirm suspected stones directly at the office, without waiting for appointments elsewhere.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder shows the stones and any build-up of urine above the obstruction. It is part of the initial urological examination.
Urine analysis
A chemical and microscopic examination of the urine reveals blood, crystals and signs of infection.
Urine culture with sensitivity testing
If an associated infection is suspected, we identify the pathogen and its sensitivity to antibiotics.
Assessment and plan
Depending on the size and position of the stone, we propose the next steps – from monitoring, through helping the stone pass, to referral for surgical treatment.
Treatment of kidney stones at our clinic
Conservative management
Smaller stones often pass on their own. We help them pass with medication, plenty of fluids and monitoring on ultrasound.
Relieving pain and infection
We ease renal colic with painkillers and antispasmodics, and treat any associated infection with antibiotics according to the culture.
Lithotripsy and surgery – in a hospital
We do not perform shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic or open surgery. We prepare the complete diagnostic work-up and direct you to a specialised centre; MUDr. Rybár also practices at Bory Hospital.
When to see a doctor
Renal colic is an acute condition. Seek help without delay if you have:
- Sharp flank pain that does not ease even with ordinary painkillers
- Pain accompanied by fever and chills – there is a risk of infection in the blocked kidney
- Blood in the urine
- Vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down
- A sudden stop in urination or a marked drop in the amount of urine
Patients with colic are seen with priority
Call +421 948 687 667 – acute cases are booked with priority. Fever with a blocked kidney requires immediate hospital treatment.
Frequently asked questions about kidney stones
Stones up to roughly 5 mm in size mostly pass spontaneously in the urine, and we can help with medication and plenty of fluids. Larger stones, or stones that block the flow of urine, usually require lithotripsy or endoscopic removal in a hospital.
No. Lithotripsy and stone surgery are performed in a hospital. At our clinic we provide the diagnosis on ultrasound, ease the symptoms, rule out infection and prepare you, with complete documentation, for the right specialised centre.
Typical is a sudden, very severe cramping pain in the flank or lower back that comes in waves and shoots into the lower abdomen or groin. It is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and restlessness – the patient cannot find a position that brings relief.
The basis is drinking enough fluids to pass at least 2 to 2.5 litres of pale urine a day. It is recommended to limit salt and excess animal protein; further dietary changes depend on the type of stone and we set them up individually at a check-up.
The first choice is an ultrasound, which shows stones in the kidneys as well as any build-up of urine, supplemented by a urine analysis. We have ultrasound directly at the office as part of the initial examination. If a CT scan is needed before a procedure, we direct you to it.
You usually get an appointment with us within a few days, with no referral. Patients with acute problems, such as colic or blood in the urine, are seen with priority.
Related topics
Kidney infection
A stone blocking the flow of urine is a common cause of a kidney infection – a combination that needs a doctor's attention immediately.
Blood in urine
Stones are one of the most common causes of blood in the urine. An examination distinguishes a stone from other, including more serious, causes.
Urinary tract infections
Recurrent infections promote the formation of stones, and stones in turn keep infections going – we tackle both problems at once.
Who will take care of you
Urologist and urologic oncologist · lead specialist for urology at Proctocare
MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of urological and urologic oncology conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
- Urologist and urologic oncologist at Bory Hospital
- Clinical fellowships at urology departments in Sweden and Lithuania
- Author of publications in professional journals
Urologist · Bratislava office
MUDr. Patrik Hesko focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions, with an emphasis on modern diagnostic procedures and an individual approach to each patient.
Author and medical review: MUDr. Ľuboš Rybár, PhD. – urologist and uro-oncologist, head medical guarantor of urology at Proctocare. · Last medical review: July 2026
Flank pain or suspected stones?
Book on +421 948 687 667 – we do the kidney ultrasound and urine analysis during a single visit in Bratislava and set up a plan for treatment and prevention.
Bratislava: Bernolákova 9, 811 07 (STEIN II) · Mon–Fri 07:30–19:30, Sat 07:30–12:30
info@proctocare.sk