Roger Le, MD, a board-certified urologist, helps treat kidney stone patients at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital.

San Jacinto Methodist Hospital offers the latest in urinary tract stone (UTS) treatment. Our board-certified urologists are equipped with the most
up-to-date technology that allows the hospital to treat all types of kidney stones.

Urolithiasis is the health condition that is characterized by the formation or presence of calculi in the urinary tract. More commonly known as kidney stones, the actual location of a stone can be anywhere in the urinary tract – from the kidney to the bladder or urethra. Different stone locations can affect the type of treatment administered.

The majority of kidney stones are non-symptomatic and can be treated on a non-emergency basis. However, if complicated by urinary tract infection or obstruction, kidney stones can cause severe nausea and vomiting followed by fever and chills. In these cases, emergency treatment is necessary.

Minimally Invasive Treatment Options
If a kidney stone requires removal via surgery, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital provides our patients with the most advanced lithotripsy machines, lasers and endoscopic equipment, which allow our urologists to perform stone removal without any incisions.

"Over 90 percent of the hospital's patients who receive kidney stone surgery go home the same day and can return to work within a few days of having the procedure," says Roger Le, MD, a board-certified urologist who practices at San Jacinto Methodist Hospital.

When compared to the rest of the country, kidney stones are more common in the southern and sunbelt states. They are also more common in men than women and are typically related to diet, climate and fluid intake. Kidney stones can range in size, from a few millimeters to several inches in diameter. The larger stones can occupy an entire kidney.

"Unfortunately, the smallest kidney stones can cause the most pain for patients," says Dr. Le. Renal colic (kidney pain) usually starts near the rib cage and can radiate throughout the entire abdomen.

Offering Stone Prevention Treatment
The hospital also offers stone prevention treatment for patients who are at a higher risk for more stones. In these cases, patients undergo a urinary and metabolic assessment that is followed by an appropriate dietary recommendation. With board-certified urologists and an experienced nursing staff, San Jacinto Methodist Hospital patients can be confident that they will receive the most advanced approaches in UTS treatment while maintaining a caring touch.