What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are solid crystals formed from minerals, salts, and acids in the urine. They can range in size from a grain of sand to, in rare cases, much larger stones that obstruct the urinary tract.Who Is at Risk?
Several factors increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including:✅ Genetics – If a close family member has had kidney stones, your chances of developing them are higher.
✅ Dehydration – Inadequate fluid intake, especially in warm weather, increases stone formation.
✅ Diet – High consumption of animal proteins, salty foods, sugars (fructose, sucrose), and processed foods can lead to stone formation.
✅ Certain medical conditions and medications – Gastric bypass surgery, urinary tract blockages, and some diuretics or antacids can contribute to stone development.
If you have any of these risk factors, a consultation with your urologist can help assess your risk and create a personalized prevention plan.
Why Are Kidney Stones Increasing in Belgium?
Modern dietary habits and obesity are major contributors to the rise in kidney stone cases. With more Belgians consuming high-protein, high-sodium, and processed foods, the risk continues to grow.Prevention Is Key
Once a patient has developed kidney stones, there is a high likelihood of recurrence. Prevention strategies include:✔ Drinking enough water (at least 1.5-2 liters daily)
✔ Adopting a balanced diet low in processed foods, sodium, and animal protein
✔ Maintaining a healthy weight
Diagnosis and Treatment:
If kidney stones are suspected, Dr. Fadi DALATI and his team use advanced diagnostic tools such as urine analysis, blood tests, ultrasounds, or CT scans to assess their size, location, and number.
Our treatment options include:
🔹 Small stones (<8mm): Often pass naturally with pain management and hydration.
🔹 Larger stones (>8mm): May require medical intervention, including:
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) – Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments. One of the most patient-friendly treatments available, a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that effectively breaks kidney stones without the need for incisions, anesthesia, or hospitalization.
Why Choose ESWL?✅ No Need for Anesthesia – The procedure is performed with mild sedation or pain management, making it comfortable and safe.
✅ Outpatient Procedure – You go home the same day, avoiding hospital stays.
✅ Quick Recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
✅ Effective for Many Stone Types – Best suited for small to medium-sized kidney stones that
✅ Completely Non-Invasive – No cuts, no instruments inside the body.
How Does It Work?
1️⃣ The patient lies on a treatment table, and the precise location of the kidney stone is identified using ultrasound or X-ray.
2️⃣ A shock wave generator delivers focused pulses of energy to break the stone into small fragments.
3️⃣ The body naturally eliminates these fragments through urination over the following weeks.
✅ A high-precision laser is then used to break the stone into tiny fragments, which can either be removed or naturally passed in the urine.
✅ The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
✅ Quick Recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within 24 hours.
✅ Effective for Many Stone Types – Best suited for small to medium-sized kidney stones that
✅ Completely Non-Invasive – No cuts, no instruments inside the body.
How Does It Work?
1️⃣ The patient lies on a treatment table, and the precise location of the kidney stone is identified using ultrasound or X-ray.
2️⃣ A shock wave generator delivers focused pulses of energy to break the stone into small fragments.
3️⃣ The body naturally eliminates these fragments through urination over the following weeks.
• Laser treatments (ureteroscopy) – One of the most advanced techniques for treating kidney stones is flexible ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation. This procedure is entirely endoscopic, meaning it is performed without any external incisions or scars.
How Does It Work?✅ A high-precision laser is then used to break the stone into tiny fragments, which can either be removed or naturally passed in the urine.
✅ The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
✅ A thin, flexible ureteroscope is inserted through the natural urinary tract (via the urethra and bladder) to reach the stone in the kidney.
Why Choose Flexible Ureteroscopy?
🔹 Fast Recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
🔹 High Success Rate – Effectively treats stones in all parts of the kidney.
🔹 Minimally Invasive – No cuts, no stitches, no scars.
🔹 Safe & Precise – The laser technology ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues.A minimally invasive procedure to break down and remove stones.
Why Choose Flexible Ureteroscopy?
🔹 Fast Recovery – Most patients return to normal activities within 24 to 48 hours.
🔹 High Success Rate – Effectively treats stones in all parts of the kidney.
🔹 Minimally Invasive – No cuts, no stitches, no scars.
🔹 Safe & Precise – The laser technology ensures minimal damage to surrounding tissues.A minimally invasive procedure to break down and remove stones.