What You Need to Know: A Patient’s Journey Through Kidney Stone Disease
Insights from Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute Expert, Dr. Connor Forbes
It often starts with a sharp, unrelenting pain—sometimes so intense that it sends people straight to the emergency room. Each year, more than half a million individuals find themselves in this situation, facing the sudden and agonizing reality of kidney stones.
But what if knowledge could change that story?
At Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, specialists like Dr. Connor Forbes are reshaping the path for people diagnosed with kidney stone disease. Through education, prevention, and innovative treatment, patients can take informed steps toward better urinary health.
Understanding the Stones
Kidney stones form quietly. These tiny crystals—made from salts or minerals in the urine—often go undetected while they remain in the kidney. They can be as small as grains of sand, and often only appear during imaging tests done for unrelated reasons.
Trouble begins when a stone starts to move.
As a stone travels into the ureter, the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, it can trigger a severe condition known as renal colic. The pain can be sudden, sharp, and difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. For many, this is the first sign that something is wrong.
Once Is Not Always the End
For those who’ve had a kidney stone, the likelihood of experiencing another is significantly higher. Some may also carry “silent” stones—present but painless—that could move unexpectedly in the future.
Prevention becomes key. And it often begins with something simple: water.
The Power of Prevention
Hydration plays a central role in kidney stone prevention. Research shows that producing about 2.5 litres of urine per day lowers the risk of forming new stones. To meet this target, most people should drink at least 2.5 litres (10–12 glasses) of water daily. For individuals who sweat more—through exercise or work—more fluids may be needed to stay protected.
“Producing 2.5 litres of urine each day is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of kidney stone recurrence.”
Managing and Treating Kidney Stones
Treatment plans depend on the size and type of the stone. For some, stones pass on their own with time and supportive care. For others, medical procedures offer relief:
- Shockwave Lithotripsy: Uses focused shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces, allowing them to pass naturally.
- Ureteroscopy: A small scope is inserted into the urinary tract to remove the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A surgical option used to remove larger stones through a small incision.
But treatment doesn’t end at removal. Preventing future stones requires long-term changes, including dietary adjustments, consistent hydration, managing blood sugar levels, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Innovation in Action
At the Vancouver Stone Centre, a leading program within Vancouver Coastal Health, researchers and clinicians are working together to push the boundaries of kidney stone care. Their work is not only treating stones—it’s transforming the patient experience.
Recent advances include:
- Pressure-sensing tools that improve precision during surgery.
- Break Wave Lithotripsy, a breakthrough non-invasive approach using ultrasonic waves—without sedation.
- Self-dissolving stents, offering relief without the need for a follow-up procedure.
These innovations reflect a commitment to continuous improvement—making kidney stone treatment safer, less invasive, and more effective.
A New Chapter for Patients
Through expert care and groundbreaking research, the future of kidney stone management is changing. At Vancouver Coastal Health, patients are not just treated—they’re empowered.
Explore more about how you can manage and prevent kidney stones by learning from trusted clinical experts and up-to-date research. Because understanding your body is the first step toward healing.