Kidney Stone Treatment in Conroe & The Woodlands, TX
Same-day diagnostic testing and prompt relief from kidney stone pain, with board-certified urologist Dr. W. Cooper Buschemeyer III. Walk-ins welcome.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Many are small enough to pass through the urinary tract on their own. Larger stones can get stuck, block the flow of urine, and cause intense pain or infection.
If you think you have a kidney stone, you don’t have to wait it out alone. Dr. Buschemeyer can find out what kind of stone you have, where it is, and the safest way to get you relief.
Common kidney stone symptoms
- Sharp pain in the side, back or lower abdomen that often comes in waves
- Pain or burning when you urinate
- Blood in the urine (pink, red or brown)
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
- Nausea or vomiting
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
How kidney stones are diagnosed
Your care starts with a clear picture of the problem. At Buschemeyer Urology, kidney stone evaluation includes:
- Physical exam to review your symptoms and medical history.
- Diagnostic imaging to show the size and location of the stone.
- Urinalysis to check for blood, infection and clues about the stone type.
- Blood work to see how your kidneys are functioning and look for signs of infection.
Same-day diagnostic testing is available, so you can get answers and a treatment plan quickly.
Kidney stone treatment options
Based on your test results, Dr. Buschemeyer will decide whether the stone can pass naturally or whether a removal procedure is the better choice. Your plan may include one or more of the following.
Observation & medication
Small stones that can travel through the urinary tract may only need time and medication to manage pain or relax the muscles of the ureter. Uric acid stones are the one type that medication can dissolve. Medication can also help prevent future stones.
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL)
ESWL uses focused shock waves from outside the body to break a kidney stone into tiny pieces, which then pass in your urine.
Ureteroscopy
A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone, so it can be removed or broken up without an incision on the outside of your body.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
For large or irregularly shaped stones, this surgical procedure removes the stone through a small incision in the back.
Preventing the next kidney stone
After your first kidney stone, there is about a 50% chance of having another within five years, and in most cases it is the same type of stone. The good news is that prevention works.
Dr. Buschemeyer will teach you the lifestyle changes that fit your stone type and can significantly lower your risk of future stones. Prescription medication may be added when it is appropriate for you.
Your kidney stone specialist
W. Cooper Buschemeyer III, M.D., is a board-certified urologic surgeon with a private practice serving Conroe and The Woodlands, TX. He completed his residency and fellowship in urologic surgery at Duke University Medical Center, where he served as Chief Resident, and is an Associate Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Kidney stone questions, answered
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
It depends on the size and position of the stone. Small stones often pass on their own within a few weeks. Larger stones, stones that are stuck, or stones that cause infection usually need a procedure, and a urologist can tell you which applies to you.
Will I need surgery for my kidney stone?
Not always. Many stones are managed with observation and medication. When a stone is too large to pass, treatments such as ESWL or ureteroscopy are available, and surgery is reserved for large or complex stones.
Can I be seen the same day for kidney stone pain?
Buschemeyer Urology offers same-day diagnostic testing, and walk-ins are welcome. Calling ahead to (346) 646-3500 helps the team prepare for your visit.
Where is the office?
Our Conroe office is at 303 Longmire Rd, Suite 102, Conroe, TX 77304. We care for patients from Conroe, The Woodlands and the surrounding area.
Can kidney stones come back?
Yes. About half of people who have one kidney stone have another within five years. A personalized prevention plan can lower that risk.
Don’t wait to treat kidney stone pain
Call Dr. Buschemeyer’s office or request an appointment online to get a clear diagnosis and relief.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please do not submit protected health information through our website.