The ureter is the narrow tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder.

A stone that moves from the kidney into this tube is called a ureteral or ureteric stone. Because the ureter is much narrower than the kidney's collecting system, a stone can become lodged and interfere with urine flow.

This may cause sudden, severe pain, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting. A larger stone or one that blocks urine flow may require active treatment rather than waiting for spontaneous passage. Treatment is selected according to factors such as the stone's size, location and composition, along with symptoms and kidney function.

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. When a stone requires an endoscopic or surgical procedure, appropriate urological coordination may be recommended.

How Is Ureter Stone Treatment Decided?

There is no single treatment that is suitable for every ureter stone.

The treatment plan may depend on:

• Stone diameter

• Exact position in the ureter

• Whether the stone is moving toward the bladder

• Degree of urinary obstruction

• Severity and persistence of pain

• Presence of infection

• Kidney function

• Number of stones

• Patient's age and overall health

• Previous stone history

The EAU notes that stone treatment is individualized using parameters such as size, number, location and composition.

A small stone with manageable symptoms may be observed, whereas a persistent obstructing stone may need removal.

Can a Ureter Stone Pass Without Surgery?

Yes, some ureter stones pass naturally.

The probability of spontaneous passage depends strongly on the stone's size and location. Smaller stones are generally more likely to pass than larger stones.

If observation is considered safe, the doctor may recommend:

• Pain control

• Monitoring symptoms

• Appropriate fluid intake

• Follow-up imaging

• Selected medication to facilitate passage

However, simply waiting is not appropriate for every patient. A stone that remains stuck, causes persistent obstruction, produces uncontrolled pain or threatens kidney function may require active treatment.

Ureter Stone Medicines: When Can They Help?

Medicines do not physically dissolve most ureter stones.

Depending on the situation, medicines may be used for:

Pain Control

Pain medicines can help manage renal colic while the stone is being observed or before definitive treatment.

The choice of medicine should consider kidney function, dehydration, stomach problems, other medicines and the patient's overall health.

Medical Expulsive Therapy

In selected patients, an alpha-blocker may be prescribed to help facilitate passage of certain ureter stones, particularly appropriately selected distal ureteral stones.

This is not suitable for every stone or every patient, and the decision should be made by the treating clinician.

Medicines for Specific Stone Types

Certain medicines can help prevent or medically manage particular types of stones, but they should not be assumed to dissolve an obstructing ureter stone.

Treatment should be based on stone composition and the clinical situation.

Does Drinking More Water Push a Ureter Stone Out?

Adequate hydration is important, but forcing large quantities of water does not guarantee that a stone will pass.

If a stone is obstructing urine flow, excessive fluid intake can increase discomfort without removing the physical blockage.

Fluid intake should be appropriate for the individual's kidney function, heart condition and overall medical status.

For long-term prevention, adequate fluid intake is important because producing more dilute urine can reduce the likelihood of future stone formation.

What Are the Symptoms of a Stone Stuck in the Ureter?

Symptoms can vary according to the stone's position and degree of obstruction.

Possible symptoms include:

• Sudden flank or side pain

• Pain spreading toward the lower abdomen or groin

• Pain that comes in waves

• Blood in the urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Burning while urinating

• Frequent or urgent urination

• Difficulty passing urine

• Reduced urine output

A stone closer to the bladder may produce more urinary urgency or frequency, while a stone higher in the ureter may produce prominent flank pain.

Severe pain or bleeding associated with suspected kidney stones warrants medical evaluation.

Does the Location of the Ureter Stone Matter?

Yes.

Doctors commonly describe ureter stones according to their position, such as:

• Upper or proximal ureter

• Middle ureter

• Lower or distal ureter

• Ureterovesical junction, where the ureter meets the bladder

The location can influence the likelihood of spontaneous passage and the choice of treatment.

Imaging is therefore important before deciding whether observation, medication or stone removal is appropriate.

How Is a Ureter Stone Diagnosed?

The doctor may use several investigations.

Urine Examination

Urinalysis can help identify:

• Blood

• White blood cells

• Signs of infection

• Crystals

• Other abnormalities

A urine culture may be required when infection is suspected.

Blood Tests

Depending on the clinical situation, tests may include:

• Serum creatinine

• eGFR

• Urea

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Blood count

• Other relevant tests

These tests help determine whether obstruction or another problem is affecting kidney function.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can identify urinary tract dilation and many stones, although very small ureter stones may not always be directly visualized.

CT Scan

A non-contrast CT scan can provide detailed information about stone:

• Size

• Location

• Number

• Density

• Associated obstruction

The appropriate imaging method depends on the patient's symptoms and clinical circumstances.

When Does a Ureter Stone Need Removal?

Active treatment may be considered when:

• The stone is unlikely to pass

• Pain continues despite appropriate treatment

• Urinary obstruction persists

• Kidney function is threatened

• There is recurrent infection

• The stone continues to cause significant symptoms

• The stone remains in place during follow-up

Larger or obstructing stones may require a procedure to remove or fragment them.

The decision should be based on the complete clinical picture rather than stone size alone.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Treatment for Ureter Stones

Ureteroscopy (URS) is one of the commonly used procedures for removing ureter stones.

A thin instrument called a ureteroscope is passed through the natural urinary passage to reach the ureter.

Once the stone is identified, the specialist may:

1. Visualize the stone directly.

2. Break it into smaller fragments using laser energy when appropriate.

3. Remove fragments using a small retrieval basket.

4. Place a temporary ureteral stent when drainage or healing support is required.

Ureteroscopy can be used to treat stones located in different portions of the ureter. NIDDK describes ureteroscopy as a procedure that allows a urologist to see and treat stones in the ureters and kidneys.

Is Laser Treatment Safe for a Ureter Stone?

Laser lithotripsy is widely used during ureteroscopy to fragment urinary stones.

As with any procedure, potential complications can include:

• Urinary infection

• Bleeding

• Temporary urinary discomfort

• Ureteral irritation or injury

• Residual stone fragments

• Stent-related symptoms

• Need for another procedure in selected cases

The risk profile depends on the stone, procedure, infection status, anatomy and individual health.

Before treatment, the specialist should explain the expected benefits and possible complications.

When Is a Ureteral Stent Used?

A ureteral stent is a thin flexible tube that helps maintain urine drainage between the kidney and bladder.

A temporary stent may be placed:

• After ureteroscopy

• When ureteral swelling could interfere with drainage

• When stone fragments need to pass

• When urinary drainage needs temporary support

• In selected obstructing stones

A stent does not necessarily mean the stone has been permanently removed.

Patients may experience temporary urinary frequency, urgency, burning or discomfort while a stent is present.

The stent should be removed or exchanged according to the treating specialist's instructions.

Can Shock Wave Lithotripsy Treat a Ureter Stone?

Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL or ESWL) uses externally generated shock waves to fragment a stone.

Whether SWL is appropriate depends on:

• Stone location

• Stone size

• Stone composition

• Stone density

• Patient anatomy

• Body habitus

• Degree of obstruction

• Availability of suitable targeting

After fragmentation, the smaller pieces need to pass through the urinary tract.

In some situations, ureteroscopy may be selected instead, particularly when direct stone removal is preferred or when SWL is less suitable.

What If the Ureter Stone Is Blocking Urine?

An obstructing stone can cause urine to back up toward the kidney.

This may produce hydronephrosis, meaning dilation of the kidney's urine-collecting system.

Persistent obstruction can impair kidney function, particularly when severe or prolonged.

The situation becomes especially urgent when obstruction occurs together with infection.

Ureter Stone With Infection: When Is It an Emergency?

A blocked urinary tract with infection can become a serious medical emergency.

Warning signs include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Severe flank pain

• Vomiting

• Confusion

• Very low blood pressure

• Reduced or absent urine

• Rapid deterioration

In such circumstances, the immediate priority may be to establish urinary drainage, for example with a ureteral stent or nephrostomy, while infection is treated. Definitive stone removal may be performed after the acute infection has been appropriately managed.

Do not attempt to treat an infected obstructing stone at home.

Can a Ureter Stone Damage the Kidney?

It can.

The risk depends on factors such as:

• Duration of obstruction

• Degree of blockage

• Whether one or both kidneys are affected

• Presence of infection

• Baseline kidney function

• Other medical conditions

A person with a single functioning kidney requires particularly careful assessment if a ureter stone obstructs urine flow.

Creatinine and eGFR may be monitored when obstruction could be affecting kidney function.

What Happens After Ureter Stone Removal?

Follow-up depends on the treatment used.

After ureteroscopy, some patients may temporarily experience:

• Mild blood in urine

• Burning during urination

• Urinary frequency

• Bladder discomfort

• Flank discomfort

• Stent-related symptoms

The treating team may arrange follow-up imaging to confirm stone clearance or identify residual fragments.

If the stone is recovered, stone analysis can help determine its composition.

In patients at risk of recurrence, further metabolic evaluation may help identify factors contributing to repeated stone formation. NIDDK notes that collecting urine after a stone episode can help assess urine volume and mineral levels relevant to recurrence risk.

How Can Future Ureter Stones Be Prevented?

Removing one stone does not necessarily prevent another from forming.

Long-term prevention may include:

Maintain Appropriate Fluid Intake

Adequate fluid intake helps dilute substances that can form stones. The amount should be individualized, especially in people with kidney failure, heart disease or fluid restrictions.

Reduce Excess Sodium

A high-sodium diet can increase urinary calcium in susceptible people and may contribute to calcium stone formation.

Follow an Individualized Diet

Dietary advice depends on stone composition and metabolic findings.

Do Not Overuse Supplements

Certain supplements can influence stone risk in some individuals. Discuss regular supplements with a healthcare professional.

Complete Stone Analysis When Possible

Knowing the stone type can help guide preventive treatment.

Consider Metabolic Evaluation for Recurrent Stones

People with recurrent or high-risk stone disease may benefit from additional urine and blood testing.

Kidney Stone in Ureter Treatment for People With Kidney Disease

Treatment requires additional care when a patient already has reduced kidney function.

The doctor may need to consider:

• Current creatinine

• eGFR

• Medication safety

• Fluid status

• Electrolyte abnormalities

• Presence of one functioning kidney

• Severity of obstruction

• Infection risk

Pain medicines also need to be selected carefully in people with CKD, dehydration or other medical conditions.

Do not self-medicate simply because a medicine was previously prescribed for a different stone episode.

Can a Ureter Stone Be Treated Without Surgery?

Sometimes.

A small, uncomplicated stone with a reasonable likelihood of spontaneous passage may be managed with observation, symptom control and selected medication.

However, “without surgery” does not mean that every ureter stone can safely be left alone.

Persistent obstruction, uncontrolled pain, infection, worsening kidney function or a low likelihood of spontaneous passage may require active removal.

The safest approach is to determine the stone's size and location and monitor it appropriately.

When Should You See a Kidney Specialist or Urologist?

A patient with a ureter stone may need coordinated care.

A urologist generally performs procedures such as ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, stent placement and other surgical treatments for urinary stones. A nephrologist evaluates kidney function and manages medical kidney conditions.

Nephrology input may be particularly useful when there is:

• Reduced eGFR

• Rising creatinine

• Recurrent stones

• Chronic kidney disease

• Electrolyte abnormalities

• A single functioning kidney

• Significant hypertension

• Complications affecting kidney function

Ureter Stone Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized assessment of kidney function in patients with urinary stone disease.

Depending on the patient's condition, evaluation may include:

• Review of ultrasound or CT findings

• Creatinine and eGFR assessment

• Urine examination

• Infection evaluation

• Assessment of urinary obstruction

• Review of previous stone episodes

• Kidney-function monitoring

• Assessment of recurrent stone risk

• Medical management of associated kidney problems

• Coordination with a urologist when procedural stone removal is required

The appropriate treatment pathway depends on the stone's characteristics and the patient's overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the treatment for a kidney stone stuck in the ureter?

A small stone may sometimes pass naturally with medical supervision, pain management and selected medication. Stones that remain obstructed, cause persistent pain, infection or threaten kidney function may require procedures such as ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy or, in selected cases, shock wave lithotripsy.

Can a ureter stone pass on its own?

Yes, some smaller ureter stones can pass spontaneously. The probability depends on factors including size and location.

Which medicine is used for a stone in the ureter?

Pain medicines may be prescribed for renal colic, and selected patients may receive an alpha-blocker to facilitate passage. The medicine should be chosen by a clinician based on stone characteristics and the patient's health.

Is laser treatment used for ureter stones?

Yes. During ureteroscopy, laser energy can fragment a ureter stone so that the pieces can be removed or pass through the urinary tract.

Does every ureter stone require surgery?

No. Some small, uncomplicated stones can pass without a procedure. Active treatment becomes more relevant when spontaneous passage is unlikely or complications develop.

Can a ureter stone cause kidney swelling?

Yes. An obstructing ureter stone can interfere with urine drainage and cause hydronephrosis.

Is a ureteral stent permanent?

Usually, a stent placed for stone treatment is temporary. The treating specialist will specify when it should be removed or exchanged.

What happens if a ureter stone is infected?

An infected and obstructed urinary tract can be an emergency. Urgent drainage and treatment of the infection may be needed before definitive stone removal.

Conclusion

Kidney stone in ureter treatment depends on more than the presence of a stone alone. Its size, position, likelihood of spontaneous passage, degree of obstruction, infection status, symptoms and kidney function all influence the treatment plan.

Small uncomplicated stones may sometimes pass naturally with appropriate medical supervision. When a stone remains stuck or causes significant obstruction or symptoms, treatment options can include ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, ureteral stenting or selected cases of shock wave lithotripsy.

A blocked ureter accompanied by fever, chills, very low urine output or severe illness requires urgent medical attention.

For kidney-function assessment and individualized management of urinary stone-related kidney concerns, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic. When a procedure is required, appropriate urological coordination can be arranged according to the patient's clinical needs.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. The appropriate treatment for a ureteral stone depends on its size, location, degree of obstruction, infection status, kidney function, symptoms and overall health. Not every stone can or should be treated with the same medicine or procedure. Do not attempt to force a stone to pass by excessive fluid intake or take prescription pain medicines or stone-passage medicines without professional guidance. Fever, chills, severe or worsening pain, persistent vomiting, very little or no urine, confusion or sudden deterioration may indicate an urgent complication requiring immediate medical attention. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified kidney or urinary stone specialist for an individualized treatment plan.