At the HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute, we understand the impact of kidney stones. That's why our experienced team provides excellent care, whether you're experiencing a kidney stone for the first time or have dealt with them for years.

Andrew John Portis, MD
Chair, HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute

Andrew Portis, MD, is chair of HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute. He is dedicated to helping patients through the evaluation, treatment and prevention of kidney stones and stone disease. Dr. Portis believes deeply that education and prevention are essential parts of the treatment process. He works closely with patients to help them reduce the chances of developing future kidney stones.

Dr. Portis completed medical school and urology residency training in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He then completed a two-year fellowship in minimally invasive urology at the prestigious Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University in St. Louis Medical School.

Since 2000, Dr. Portis has been providing innovative surgical solutions for upper urinary tract disease. He has also developed new strategies for clearing kidney stones, including ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy with active fragment clearance and tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Both procedures are less invasive than other treatment options and are highly effective.

Dr. Portis pays careful attention to his patients' outcomes and conducts research that has led to improvements in patient care. Actively involved in national and international research societies, he shares his findings with other urology specialists; Dr. Portis is passionate about helping others and has a special interest in treating Hmong Americans with kidney stones. His research has documented a high rate of uric acid stone disease in the Hmong community. He is actively working with the community to understand the causes and develop strategies to treat those with the uric acid stones.

Robert Glesne, MD

Robert Glesne, MD, completed his urology training at the University of Iowa. He practiced general urology primarily in Alexandria, Minnesota. He has now transitioned his practice to focus on kidney stone disease and joined HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute in September 2010.

Dr. Glesne brings a wealth of clinical experience to Kidney Stone Institute. His patient-centered care philosophy and drive for optimal treatment outcomes makes him a valued addition to Kidney Stone Institute.

Carl Bretzke, MD
Interventional Radiologist

Carl Bretzke, MD, is a board-certified radiologist. He has been a member of St. Joseph's Hospital medical staff since 1987 and was chairman of the hospital's radiology department from 1995 to 2005.

Born and raised in Hutchinson, Minnesota, Dr. Bretzke earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and then completed medical school and residency training at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Bretzke trained in interventional radiology with Kurt Amplatz, MD, a pioneer in interventional radiology and endourology.

Dr. Bretzke plays a dual role within HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute. His extensive experience in body imaging is a valued resource for challenging diagnostic questions. As well, Dr. Bretzke is an important partner in Kidney Stone Institute's team-oriented approach to treating complex stone disease using percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Dr Bretzke was pivotal in the evolution of the advanced techniques developed at Kidney Stone Institute which have profoundly increased effectiveness and decreased discomfort for this challenging patient population.

Kayla Kragh, RD, LD

Kayla Kragh is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian at HealthEast. She obtained her bachelor's degree in nutrition and dietetics from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN, graduating summa cum laude. Kayla then went on to complete a dietetic internship at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview.

Kayla is excited to work within HealthEast Kidney Stone Institute. She provides medical nutrition therapy to aid in the prevention of future kidney stones. Kayla is passionate about helping patients initiate lifestyle changes to live happier, healthier lives. She also has experience in diabetes care and weight loss counseling. Kayla understands it is challenging for patients to make changes and provides up-to-date research and resources, while offering support and encouragement along the way.