New developments at the Kidney Stone Institute

In the news

We were honored for our innovative model of care by Health Partners and Medica. Read more about these awards:

• KSI honored with Health Partners 2011 Innovations in Health Care Award
• KSI a finalist for Medica's 2011 'Raising the Bar: Rewarding Innovation in Transformational Care Delivery'

Kidney stone research

A research study by Dr. Andrew Portis is the first long-term follow-up study of complex kidney stone patients. His research found that removing all kidney stones (even the smallest fragments) is critical in preventing future stones. Using CT, a highly sensitive technology, he evaluated patients to be sure all stones were removed. If all stones were cleared, just 5% of patients required further treatment within seven years.

More research at Kidney Stone Institute:

• Matching patients to procedures
• Getting the job done the first time – ureteroscopy for simple stones and PCNL for complex stones
• Complete surgery equals long-term freedom from disease
• Caring for the Hmong community

Low-dose scans

Over the past 15 years, computed tomography (CT scanning) has become an invaluable tool in detecting and characterizing renal and ureteral stones. Our doctors have developed a way to reduce the radiation from CT scans by 75% for specified patients with kidney stones. Learn more.

What sets the Kidney Stone Institute apart

If you've experienced a kidney stone, you know it can cause unpredictable and excruciating pain. You may be left wondering if another stone will disrupt your life — and how you can prevent it.

At the HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute, we understand the impact of kidney stones. That's why we're committed to providing excellent care, whether you're experiencing a kidney stone for the first time or have dealt with them for years.The Kidney Stone Institute works with patients to treat existing kidney stones and help reduce the chances of developing future stones.

24-hour kidney stone hotline

Our kidney stone hotline (651-326-3830) is staffed by registered nurses who can review symptoms and make recommendations to help you get appropriate care. Hotline staff can also arrange for a referral to a kidney stone specialist.

Relief for kidney stone pain

In the emergency room (ER) at St Joseph's Hospital, kidney stone patients can expect a timely and accurate diagnosis and medication to ease pain.

If symptoms are not adequately controlled, patients may be admitted to the hospital for more intensive management.

ER protocols for patients

All kidney stone patients leave the ER with:

• A clear understanding of the kidney stone's size and location
• Information on next steps in the treatment process
• Educational materials
• A prescription for medication to control symptoms
• Copies of x-rays

Equal emphasis on treatment and prevention

We work with patients to best treat existing stones and help them reduce the chances of developing more stones. There is no single solution to stone disease. All patients are offered stone prevention services. After treating stones that are causing pain and symptoms, our next step is to focus on stone prevention. Our stone specialists will work with you to develop an individualized prevention plan. Our goal is to give specific and easy to maintain strategies you can use throughout your life.