Kidney stones are one of the most painful conditions a person can experience, and getting treated quickly makes all the difference. Urology Associates of Green Bay is the highest-volume kidney stone practice in the region, performing over 600 stone surgeries per year. Our team treats the full spectrum of kidney and ureteral stones, from straightforward cases to complex procedures that require specialized expertise.
We know that when you are in pain, waiting is not an option. Patients with urgent needs are typically offered a same-day consultation at our offices in De Pere or Marinette. Surgical procedures are performed at Emplify Health in Green Bay and at our Oconto location, serving patients from across northeastern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Dealing with kidney stone pain? We can often see you today. Call (920) 433-9400.
Why Patients Choose Urology Associates for Kidney Stone Care
- Highest volume in the area. We perform over 600 stone surgeries per year. Our team has seen and treated virtually every type of stone presentation, including the complex cases other practices refer out.
- Same-day care for urgent cases. Patients calling with active kidney stone pain are typically offered a same-day consultation. We understand that stone pain is not something you can wait out, and we make it a priority to get you in quickly.
- Every treatment option available. We offer the full range of stone treatments, from shockwave therapy to advanced laser surgery to percutaneous procedures. You will not need to be referred elsewhere for a more complex case.
- Prevention and long-term management. Treating the stone is only part of the picture. We also offer comprehensive metabolic evaluations to understand why you are forming stones, along with personalized guidance on diet, supplements, and medications to reduce your risk of future stones.
- Private practice, not a hospital. As an independent practice, we offer more direct access to your care team, faster scheduling, and a more personal experience than a large hospital system.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine become too concentrated and crystallize inside the kidneys. They can range from the size of a grain of sand to several centimeters across. Small stones sometimes pass on their own, but larger stones, or those that become lodged in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, often require treatment.
Symptoms of a kidney stone typically include severe pain in the back or side, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin, nausea, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. If you are experiencing these symptoms, call us right away. Left untreated, a blocked stone can lead to infection or kidney damage.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
Not all stones are treated the same way. The right approach depends on the size, location, and composition of your stone, as well as your overall health. Our team will recommend the treatment best suited to your specific situation. We offer every major stone treatment available.
Watchful Waiting
Small stones that are likely to pass on their own may be managed with hydration, pain control, and close monitoring. We will guide you through what to watch for and when to seek further care.
Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy uses focused sound waves directed at the stone from outside the body to break it into smaller pieces that can pass naturally. It is non-invasive and performed as an outpatient procedure. ESWL works best for smaller stones in certain locations within the kidney.
Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy
For stones in the ureter or kidney that require more precise treatment, we use ureteroscopy: a thin, flexible scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone without any incisions. Once the stone is located, laser energy is used to break it apart. Stone suction can also be used during the procedure to remove fragments immediately, reducing the chance of residual pieces.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For large or complex stones that cannot be treated effectively with ureteroscopy or shockwave therapy, we offer percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This procedure uses a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone directly through the kidney. It is the most effective treatment for large stone burdens and is typically performed with one overnight hospital stay.
Stone Prevention: Treating the Cause, Not Just the Stone
Kidney stones have a high recurrence rate. Without understanding why you formed a stone in the first place, there is a significant chance of forming another one. That is why we offer comprehensive metabolic evaluations for patients who want to take a proactive approach.
A metabolic stone evaluation typically involves blood and urine testing to identify the underlying cause of stone formation. Based on those results, we develop a personalized prevention plan that may include dietary changes tailored to your specific stone type, hydration guidance, targeted supplements, and prescription medications to reduce stone-forming minerals in the urine.
If you have had more than one kidney stone, or if you have a strong family history of stones, we strongly encourage a metabolic evaluation. Preventing the next stone is far easier than treating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a kidney stone?
The most common symptoms are sudden, severe pain in the back or side (often described as the worst pain of your life), nausea, blood in the urine, and pain that radiates toward the groin. Some people also experience urgency or discomfort when urinating. If you are having these symptoms, call us at (920) 433-9400 for a same-day evaluation.
Will my stone pass on its own?
It depends on the size and location of the stone. Smaller stones often pass without intervention, while larger stones or those causing a blockage typically require treatment. We can evaluate your stone with imaging and give you a clear recommendation.
How quickly can I be seen?
Patients with active kidney stone pain are typically offered a same-day consultation. Call us at (920) 433-9400 and let our team know you are in pain. We will do everything we can to get you in that day.
Where are procedures performed?
Consultations are held at our offices in De Pere and Marinette. Surgical procedures are performed at Emplify Health in Green Bay and at our Oconto location.
Is kidney stone surgery painful?
Most procedures are performed under anesthesia and recovery is generally well tolerated. Ureteroscopy and ESWL are outpatient procedures with relatively short recovery times. PCNL is more involved but is appropriate when the stone requires it. Your surgeon will walk you through what to expect before any procedure.
Ready to Get Relief? Call Us Today.
If you are dealing with kidney stone pain, do not wait it out. We offer same-day consultations for urgent cases and have the most experienced stone team in the region ready to help. Call us at (920) 433-9400 or request an appointment online.
Urology Associates of Green Bay. Comprehensive kidney stone care, from same-day consultation to long-term prevention.