Can a 13.8mm Kidney Stone Be Dissolved With Medication?

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A 13.8 mm kidney stone is considered a large stone, and medicines alone are usually not effective in dissolving or passing a stone of this size. While some small stones (typically less than 5–6 mm) may pass on their own with adequate hydration and prescribed medications, a 13.8 mm stone is unlikely to pass naturally and usually requires evaluation by a urologist.

Can Medicines Dissolve a 13.8 mm Kidney Stone?

In most cases, no. The effectiveness of medicines depends on the type of kidney stone:

• Uric acid stones may sometimes dissolve with medications that make the urine less acidic, but this should only be started after confirming the stone type through appropriate investigations.

• Calcium oxalate stones, which are the most common type, cannot be dissolved with medicines.

• Other types of stones, such as calcium phosphate, struvite, and cystine stones, also generally do not dissolve with medication.

Therefore, it is important not to take any medicine claiming to dissolve kidney stones without consulting a urologist, as it may delay appropriate treatment.

What Treatment May Be Needed?

The most suitable treatment depends on:

• The exact size and location of the stone.

• Whether it is causing pain, infection, bleeding, or blockage of urine flow.

• The type of stone.

• Your overall health and kidney function.

For a 13.8 mm stone, the urologist recommend one of the following procedures:

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments. It is suitable for selected patients depending on the stone's size and location.

• Ureteroscopy (URS) with Laser Lithotripsy: A thin telescope is passed through the urinary passage to break and remove the stone using a laser.

• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Commonly recommended for larger kidney stones, especially those larger than 2 cm or when other treatments are not suitable.

The doctor will advise the most appropriate option after reviewing your scans.

What Tests Required?

Your doctor recommend:

• Ultrasound or CT KUB to determine the exact size and location of the stone.

• Urine examination to check for infection or blood.

• Kidney function tests.

• Blood tests.

• Stone analysis, if the stone is passed or removed.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?

Please seek urgent medical attention if you have:

• Severe, persistent pain that is not relieved by medicines.

• Fever or chills along with the stone, as this may indicate an infection.

• Difficulty or inability to pass urine.

• Blood in the urine with severe pain.

• Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration.

These symptoms require prompt evaluation and treatment.

How HexaHealth Can Assist You

We can help you:

• Connect with experienced urologists.

• Book appointments at the best partner hospitals for kidney stone treatment.

• Guide you regarding treatment options, health insurance, and cashless treatment, wherever applicable.

• Assist you throughout your consultation, treatment, and follow-up care.

Kindly Share the Following Details

• Your City and State.

Based on these details, we will help you connect with an experienced urologist and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment option.

Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Warm regards,
Team HexaHealth