An 11 mm kidney stone measures approximately 1.1 cm. It is substantially larger than a stone that is only a few millimetres in size and is less likely to pass spontaneously, particularly when it is located in the ureter.
However, the measurement alone does not determine the treatment.
Doctors also consider:
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Whether the stone is in the kidney or ureter
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Exact location within the kidney
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Stone density and composition
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Whether urine flow is blocked
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Presence of infection
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Pain and other symptoms
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Kidney function
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Urinary tract anatomy
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Previous stone treatments
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The patient's overall health
Current urological guidance classifies stones in the 10–20 mm range as a distinct treatment group, so an 11 mm stone generally deserves more careful treatment planning than a very small stone.
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides kidney evaluation and helps assess kidney-function concerns associated with urinary stones and obstruction.
Can an 11 mm Kidney Stone Pass Naturally?
An 11 mm stone is unlikely to pass as easily as a small stone.
Spontaneous passage is influenced by both size and location. A stone sitting in the kidney is different from an 11 mm stone lodged in the ureter.
Larger stones can become stuck and may obstruct urine flow. NIDDK notes that larger stones or stones causing blockage or significant pain may require active treatment.
Therefore, simply waiting for an 11 mm stone to pass should not be assumed to be the safest option.
A specialist may sometimes recommend observation for a particular asymptomatic renal stone, but this depends on the imaging findings and the patient's risk factors.
11 mm Kidney Stone vs 11 mm Ureter Stone
The treatment decision can change significantly depending on location.
11 mm Stone Inside the Kidney
An 11 mm renal stone may be located in:
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Renal pelvis
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Upper calyx
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Middle calyx
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Lower pole
The choice between SWL, flexible ureteroscopy/RIRS and PCNL depends on factors such as location, stone density and anatomy.
11 mm Stone in the Ureter
An 11 mm ureteral stone has a lower likelihood of spontaneous passage than a small ureteral stone.
If it causes persistent obstruction, pain or deterioration in kidney function, active removal may be recommended.
For ureteral stones requiring removal, ureteroscopy and SWL are among the established treatment options, with the choice influenced by stone size, location, density and patient factors.
What Tests Are Needed Before Treating an 11 mm Stone?
Treatment should ideally be planned after understanding the stone and its effect on the urinary system.
CT Scan
A non-contrast CT scan can provide important information about:
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Exact stone size
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Location
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Stone density
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Number of stones
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Urinary obstruction
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Hydronephrosis
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Relevant urinary anatomy
Stone density measured on CT can also help determine whether SWL is likely to work effectively. The EAU notes that higher stone density can reduce SWL success.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help identify stones and detect dilation of the collecting system.
It may also be useful for follow-up in selected patients.
Urine Tests
Urinalysis and, when indicated, urine culture can help identify blood or infection.
A urinary infection should be appropriately assessed before elective stone removal.
Blood Tests
Depending on the situation, testing may include:
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Serum creatinine
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eGFR
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Sodium
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Potassium
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Blood count
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Other relevant tests
Kidney-function assessment is particularly important when the stone is obstructing urine flow.
What Are the Treatment Options for an 11 mm Kidney Stone?
There is no single procedure that is automatically best for every 11 mm stone.
Depending on the location and characteristics, treatment may involve:
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Observation in selected cases
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Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL/ESWL)
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Flexible ureteroscopy or RIRS
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Laser lithotripsy
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PCNL in selected situations
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Staged or combined treatment in more complex cases
The EAU identifies SWL, PCNL and RIRS as treatment modalities for renal stones, with effectiveness influenced by size, location, composition and other factors.
ESWL for an 11 mm Kidney Stone
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL/SWL) uses externally generated shock waves to fragment the stone.
The resulting pieces can then pass through the urinary tract.
An 11 mm renal stone may be suitable for SWL in selected patients, particularly when the stone has favourable characteristics.
However, success can be affected by:
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Stone density
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Stone composition
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Kidney location
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Lower-pole position
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Skin-to-stone distance
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Body habitus
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Urinary anatomy
The EAU notes that SWL outcomes are influenced by stone size, location, hardness and patient anatomy, and lower-pole stones can have poorer fragment clearance.
More than one treatment session may sometimes be necessary.
Laser Treatment for an 11 mm Kidney Stone
Flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, often called RIRS when treating stones inside the kidney, is another important option.
During the procedure:
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A thin flexible scope is passed through the urinary tract.
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The surgeon reaches the kidney or ureter.
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The stone is visualized directly.
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Laser energy fragments the stone.
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Larger fragments may be removed using a basket.
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A temporary ureteral stent may be placed when necessary.
Ureteroscopy allows the stone to be treated internally and can be particularly useful when SWL is less suitable.
NIDDK describes ureteroscopy as a procedure in which a scope is used to visualize stones in the ureter or kidney and remove or fragment them.
Is PCNL Needed for an 11 mm Stone?
Not necessarily.
PCNL is generally associated with larger or complex renal stone burdens. For an uncomplicated 11 mm stone, less invasive options such as SWL or flexible ureteroscopy may often be considered first, depending on the location and other factors.
However, PCNL can be considered in selected situations, such as:
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Difficult stone anatomy
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Complex stone burden
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Certain lower-pole stones
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Stones that are difficult to clear using other methods
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Selected patients where a percutaneous approach offers a better chance of clearance
The EAU considers PCNL the primary treatment for renal stones larger than 2 cm, while stones in the 10–20 mm range may be managed using different approaches depending on their characteristics.
Therefore, an 11 mm stone does not automatically mean PCNL.
Does the Location of an 11 mm Stone Matter?
Yes, very much.
Upper or Middle Kidney
SWL or flexible ureteroscopy may be considered depending on stone density, anatomy and other factors.
Lower-Pole Kidney
Lower-pole stones can be more difficult to clear after fragmentation because stone pieces may remain within the lower calyx.
For this reason, RIRS or PCNL may be preferred in selected patients, particularly when SWL has unfavourable predictors.
Renal Pelvis
An 11 mm renal-pelvic stone may be treated with SWL, RIRS or another appropriate approach depending on the patient's circumstances.
Ureter
For an 11 mm ureteral stone, ureteroscopy or SWL may be considered when active removal is indicated.
When Does an 11 mm Stone Need Treatment?
Active treatment may become appropriate when the stone causes or is associated with:
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Persistent pain
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Urinary obstruction
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Infection
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Stone growth
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Blood in urine with significant symptoms
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Reduced kidney function
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Recurrent stone-related problems
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Patient preference after discussion of options
EAU guidance lists obstruction, infection, symptoms, stone growth and other clinical factors among indications for active treatment of renal stones.
An asymptomatic stone may sometimes be monitored rather than immediately removed, depending on the clinical circumstances.
Can Medicines Remove an 11 mm Kidney Stone?
Medicines generally cannot physically break or remove most 11 mm kidney stones.
Some medicines may:
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Control pain
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Help selected ureteral stones pass
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Treat urinary infection when present
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Prevent future stones
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Dissolve certain uric acid stones under medical supervision
The type of stone matters. For example, medically supervised urine alkalinization can sometimes be used for uric acid stones.
A medicine should not be chosen simply because the stone measures 11 mm.
Can Drinking More Water Push Out an 11 mm Stone?
Drinking an appropriate amount of fluid is important for stone prevention and general health.
However, forcing large quantities of water will not reliably push an 11 mm stone through the urinary tract.
If a stone is obstructing the ureter, excessive fluid intake can increase discomfort without removing the physical blockage.
People with reduced kidney function, heart disease or fluid restrictions should follow their doctor's individualized fluid advice.
Symptoms That May Occur With an 11 mm Stone
An 11 mm stone can be completely asymptomatic, particularly when it remains in the kidney.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
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Flank pain
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Back or side pain
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Pain radiating toward the abdomen or groin
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Blood in urine
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Burning while urinating
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Frequent urination
The severity of pain does not reliably indicate the exact size of a stone.
A relatively small stone can cause severe colic if it obstructs urine flow, while a larger renal stone can sometimes cause little or no pain.
What If an 11 mm Stone Blocks Urine?
An obstructing stone requires appropriate medical assessment.
Persistent obstruction can cause hydronephrosis and may impair kidney function.
The situation becomes particularly urgent when obstruction occurs together with infection.
Warning signs include:
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Fever
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Chills
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Severe flank pain
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Vomiting
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Reduced urine output
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Feeling severely unwell
An infected obstructed urinary tract can require urgent drainage, such as a ureteral stent or nephrostomy, followed by definitive stone treatment once the infection has been appropriately managed.
Recovery After 11 mm Kidney Stone Treatment
Recovery depends on the procedure used.
After SWL, a person may pass stone fragments over the following period and can experience temporary blood in the urine or discomfort.
After ureteroscopy or RIRS, temporary urinary symptoms or a ureteral stent may occur.
After PCNL, recovery is generally more involved because the procedure creates a small access tract into the kidney.
Follow-up imaging may be recommended to determine whether residual fragments remain.
The treating urologist will provide individualized instructions about activity, medicines, fluid intake and follow-up.
Can an 11 mm Kidney Stone Come Back?
Yes.
Stone removal treats the existing stone but does not necessarily remove the factors that caused it.
Depending on stone type, recurrence may be associated with:
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Low urine volume
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High dietary sodium
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Excessive intake of certain stone-forming substances
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Low urinary citrate
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Hypercalciuria
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Hyperuricosuria
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Certain metabolic conditions
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Family history
After a stone has been removed, stone analysis can help identify its composition.
People with recurrent or high-risk stone disease may also benefit from metabolic evaluation, including urine testing.
NIDDK notes that analysing the stone and evaluating urine mineral levels can help guide prevention of future stones.
How Can Future Stones Be Prevented?
Prevention should be tailored to the stone type and the patient's health.
General measures may include:
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Maintain appropriate fluid intake.
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Reduce excessive dietary sodium.
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Follow a balanced diet.
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Avoid unnecessary supplements.
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Maintain an appropriate body weight.
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Take prescribed preventive medicines correctly.
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Complete recommended metabolic testing.
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Attend follow-up appointments.
People with CKD, heart disease or other conditions that affect fluid intake should not adopt a high-fluid plan without medical advice.
When Should You Seek Urgent Care?
A known 11 mm stone requires prompt assessment if symptoms suggest obstruction or infection.
Seek urgent medical attention for:
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Fever or chills
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Severe or worsening flank pain
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Persistent vomiting
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Very little or no urine
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Severe weakness
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Confusion
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Severe pain with fever
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Rapid deterioration in health
A stone associated with infection and urinary obstruction can become a serious medical emergency.
Kidney Stone Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic
At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides specialist evaluation for patients with kidney stones and related kidney-function concerns.
Depending on the patient's condition, evaluation may include:
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Review of CT or ultrasound findings
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Assessment of stone size and location
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Creatinine and eGFR testing
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Assessment of urinary obstruction
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Evaluation for infection
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Review of recurrent stone history
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Assessment of kidney-function impairment
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Medical management of associated kidney problems
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Coordination with an appropriate urological specialist when stone removal is required
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Follow-up kidney care after stone treatment
For an 11 mm stone, the most appropriate procedure depends on the complete clinical picture rather than size alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an 11 mm kidney stone pass naturally?
An 11 mm stone is unlikely to pass as readily as a small stone. The likelihood also depends on whether it is located in the kidney or ureter. Specialist assessment is important before deciding on observation.
What is the best treatment for an 11 mm kidney stone?
There is no universal best procedure. Depending on location and stone characteristics, options may include ESWL, flexible ureteroscopy with laser treatment or, in selected cases, PCNL.
Is laser treatment suitable for an 11 mm kidney stone?
Yes. Flexible ureteroscopy or RIRS with laser lithotripsy can be used for selected 11 mm renal stones and ureteral stones.
Can ESWL remove an 11 mm stone?
ESWL can be suitable for some 11 mm stones, but success depends on location, density, anatomy and other factors. Lower-pole stones and high-density stones may be less favourable for SWL.
Does an 11 mm stone require PCNL?
Not automatically. PCNL is generally used more often for larger or complex renal stone burdens. An 11 mm stone may be treatable with SWL or ureteroscopy depending on its location and characteristics.
Can an 11 mm stone be dissolved with medicine?
Most common kidney stones cannot be dissolved with medicine. Certain uric acid stones may be treated with medically supervised dissolution therapy.
Can drinking water remove an 11 mm kidney stone?
Adequate hydration is important, but drinking excessive water does not reliably force an 11 mm stone to pass, particularly when there is obstruction.
Can an 11 mm kidney stone damage the kidney?
It can potentially affect kidney function if it causes persistent obstruction, recurrent infection or other complications. Kidney-function testing may therefore be important.
Conclusion
11 mm kidney stone treatment depends on more than the measurement of the stone. An 11 mm stone is large enough to make spontaneous passage less likely, particularly when it is located in the ureter, but the appropriate treatment varies according to location, density, anatomy, symptoms, obstruction, infection and kidney function.
Depending on the individual situation, treatment may include ESWL, flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, RIRS or selected use of PCNL. Some asymptomatic renal stones may be monitored when appropriate, while painful, growing, infected or obstructing stones may require active treatment.
If you have been diagnosed with an 11 mm kidney stone, a detailed review of your imaging and kidney function can help determine whether observation or active stone removal is appropriate.
For individualized kidney evaluation and specialist care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. An 11 mm kidney stone may require different treatment depending on its location, composition, density, symptoms, obstruction, infection, kidney function and overall health. Not every patient is suitable for ESWL, ureteroscopy, laser treatment or PCNL. Do not attempt to force a stone to pass by drinking excessive amounts of water or by taking unprescribed medicines or herbal remedies. Fever, chills, severe flank pain, persistent vomiting, very little or no urine, confusion or rapidly worsening symptoms may indicate a serious complication requiring urgent medical attention. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or an appropriate qualified kidney or urinary-stone specialist for an individualized treatment plan.
