From stones to tumors: the kidney in experienced hands
The kidney works silently, and that is precisely what makes it treacherous. Much remains unnoticed for a long time, from the small tumor to the silent drainage obstruction. We rely on precise imaging and treat as gently as possible, with the clear aim of preserving kidney tissue and function.
Kidney stones (renal colic)
Stones form when constituents of the urine combine into crystals. As long as a stone rests in the kidney, it often causes no complaints. If it migrates into the ureter, it can trigger a colic, one of the most severe pains there is, wave-like in the flank and lower abdomen, frequently with nausea and blood in the urine.
Small stones often pass on their own, and we support you in this. Larger or lodged stones we remove with today’s usual gentle procedures, from shock-wave lithotripsy through ureteroscopy to percutaneous stone removal for large kidney stones. Which procedure fits depends on size, location, and composition.
Whoever has had a stone once will, without prevention, very probably get more. We therefore analyze the stone and clarify the cause, instead of treating only the current event.
Kidney tumor
Tumors of the kidney grow for a long time without symptoms and are frequently discovered incidentally on ultrasound or CT. That is an opportunity, because detected early they can often be operated on in a kidney-preserving manner, without sacrificing the entire organ. We treat kidney tumors predominantly robot-assisted. Everything on diagnosis, organ-preserving surgery, and the further options you will find in the Kidney Cancer section (already available).
Kidney cysts
Fluid-filled cavities in the kidney are common and, with age, almost the rule. Simple cysts are harmless and need only be monitored if they grow large or cause complaints. Cysts with a conspicuous structure we observe more closely, because rarely a tumor can hide behind them. Which monitoring makes sense we determine on the basis of the ultrasound or CT findings.
Inflammation of the renal pelvis (pyelonephritis)
If a urinary tract infection ascends into the renal pelvis, an inflammation of the renal pelvis develops, with flank pain, fever, and a feeling of illness. This is more than a bladder infection and should be treated promptly so that the kidney takes no harm. We clarify whether a drainage obstruction such as a stone promotes the inflammation, and treat both together.
Drainage obstruction at the renal pelvis
If the urine backs up at the transition from the renal pelvis into the ureter, this is called a ureteropelvic junction obstruction. It can be congenital or develop later and damage the kidney over time. The correction today is usually performed robot-assisted. More on this in the UPJ Obstruction and Ureteral Stricture section. (already available)
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Urokompetenz – The Center for Urology
Klinik für Urologie und Urochirurgie der Clinic Bel Etage
Reichsstraße 59
40217 Düsseldorf