Kidney stones, also known as urinary stones, are a widespread health issue affecting millions globally. Singapore is located within the global stone belt alongside India, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia as they have a high incidence of kidney stones. These hard mineral and salt deposits form in the kidneys and can cause intense pain when they travel through the urinary tract. Renal or ureteric colic occurs when urine flow is obstructed, and the kidneys swell. The severe pain is often described as worse than giving birth by ladies and the worse pain encountered by most men.
Dr Jay Lim
MBBS (Syd), MRCS (Edin), MRCS (Glasg), MMed (NUS), FAMS (Urology)
Dr Lim Kheng Sit (Jay) is a urologist specialising in kidney diseases, including acute renal colic, horseshoe kidneys, pregnant-related, stone-related, and single kidney patients. He is also trained in the full spectrum approach for large and small kidney stones, including endoscopic, laparoscopic, and percutaneous techniques for large stones.
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses resulting from crystallized minerals in urine. Their size can range from tiny grains to larger stones that obstruct the urinary tract, causing significant discomfort. In Singapore, dehydration, climate or poor dietary habits are the leading causes.
Timely recognition of kidney stone symptoms is essential for effective treatment. Common symptoms include:
Several factors contribute to kidney stone formation, many of which are preventable:
Insufficient fluid intake leads to concentrated urine, increasing stone risk.
High sodium, sugar, and protein consumption can promote stone development.
Obesity and inactivity are linked to higher risks of stone formation.
Treatment varies based on stone size, location, and severity. Key approaches include:
If you think you may be presenting symptoms of Kidney Stones, schedule a consult as soon as possible.
Preventive measures are crucial in reducing the likelihood of kidney stones. Follow these expert tips:
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to preventing complications such as kidney damage or recurrent infections.
Led by an experienced urologist, our clinic focuses on conditions affecting the prostate, kidney, bladder, and male reproductive conditions, ensuring patients receive targeted, specialist care.
Patients get access to timely consultations to address urgent or discomforting urological symptoms, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Most of our procedures are claimable by integrated shield and corporate insurance plans, making treatment more accessible and providing greater peace of mind.
Sensitive conditions are discussed in a discreet and comfortable environment, allowing patients to feel at ease and supported by a smooth care experience.
Kidney stones can be distressing, but with the right knowledge and preventive strategies, you can effectively manage and reduce your risk. Stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, and consult a healthcare professional for tailored advice.
If you think you may be presenting symptoms of Kidney Stones, schedule a consult as soon as possible.
Our friendly team at Urocare is looking forward to serving you.
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call the clinic directly.
No, not all stones need to be surgically removed. As a simple rule, if the stone is larger than 3 mm, there is a risk of blocking the urine flow if it moves into the ureter.
Stones smaller than 2 mm can be conservatively managed and flushed out with adequate hydration.
Common stone removal methods include shockwave therapy, which does not involve any cuts on the patient. These are very tolerable day procedures, and patients usually are up and about the following day with very little downtime.
Where surgery is required, most patients are well enough to be discharged the following day and managed at home.
Modern stone surgery does not involve any cuts, unlike appendicitis or gallbladder surgery. However, ureter stents are commonly placed in the kidney during surgery to ensure the urine stone is not compromised.
This can cause some discomfort to patients for the next 3 days. As a result, a period of hospital leave is given to the patient after any surgery.
“Once a stone former, always a stone former”. About half of the patients suffer from repeated stone attacks within 5 years.
We place a strong emphasis on dietary and fundamental lifestyle changes as part of our end-to-end holistic management of stone patients to reduce the risk of further stone attacks.
Yes. The biggest risk of an untreated stone is blockage of the kidney. If left unattended, the kidney will eventually die off and be permanently damaged.
Infection can also occur in a blocked kidney and make you really unwell.
Kidney stones treatments are covered by insurance and MediShield, although the degree of coverage differs from insurance plans. Renal colic are considered medical emergencies, which require hospitalisation and is a common insurance claim.
While most insurance covers hospitalisation, It is best to check with our team on your insurance coverage.
