Treatment and doctors

Kidney stone doctors and lithotripsy in Marietta

If you are looking for a kidney stone specialist, you probably either have a stone on a scan right now or have passed more than one. Here is how our team in Marietta, Canton, Dallas and Jasper treats kidney stones, from the first call to lithotripsy or ureteroscopy and a plan to keep new stones from forming.

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Advanced Urology Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center name card with street address

Who treats kidney stones here?

Dr. Andy Ostrowski lists kidney stones among his focus areas and sees patients in Marietta and Canton. Our physician assistants and nurse practitioner, including Daniel Roberson, PA-C, in Dallas and Britany Howard, FNP, in Jasper, see stone patients for evaluation, medicine and follow-up. Stone procedures are performed by our urologists at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center.

How fast can I be seen?

Tell our scheduling team you have a stone and send or bring any ER or urgent care CT report; we look for the soonest opening at whichever of our four offices you choose. We cannot promise a time by phone. If fever, vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down, or pain that medicine does not touch develops while you wait, go to the ER. Our kidney stone pain guide explains those warning signs.

What is lithotripsy?

Shock wave lithotripsy sends focused energy waves through the skin that crack the stone into pieces that can pass in the urine. You lie on a cushioned table under anesthesia, no incision is made, and you go home afterward. It suits many smaller kidney and upper-ureter stones; very hard stones and some stone locations do better with ureteroscopy.

What is ureteroscopy?

A slim scope is passed through the urethra and bladder up the ureter to the stone, which is broken up and removed. There are no cuts. A temporary stent is often left in for several days to two weeks to keep urine draining while swelling settles.

What about very large stones?

Large or branching kidney stones may need percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), in which the stone is removed through a small tunnel in the back. Our urologists explain if this applies to you and where it would be done.

Can I prevent the next stone?

After your first stone, the chance of another within several years is substantial. A prevention visit can include analysis of a stone you caught plus blood and urine tests. The results lead to specific changes, such as how much to drink, cutting salt, or adjusting protein and oxalate, and sometimes a daily medicine.

Where can I be seen for this?

Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center, 1371 Church Street Extension NW, Marietta, GA 30060. Seen here for this concern: Andy Ostrowski, MD, Daniel Roberson, PA-C, Amanda Boulos, PA-C, Shane Bell, PA-C, Anna Flint Todd, PA-C, Ionela Turcin, PA-C, Britany Howard, FNP. Procedures for all four offices happen in this building.
Canton Clinic, 2205 Riverstone Blvd Suite 101, Canton, GA 30114. Seen here for this concern: Andy Ostrowski, MD, Daniel Roberson, PA-C, Amanda Boulos, PA-C, Shane Bell, PA-C, Anna Flint Todd, PA-C, Ionela Turcin, PA-C. Procedures are scheduled at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center.
Dallas Clinic, 2713 Charles Hardy Parkway, Bldg 100, Suite 122, Dallas, GA 30157. Seen here for this concern: Daniel Roberson, PA-C. Visits here are with Daniel Roberson, PA-C. Physician visits and procedures are arranged in Marietta.
Jasper Clinic, 49 Gordon Rd Suite 103, Jasper, GA 30143. Seen here for this concern: Britany Howard, FNP. Procedures are scheduled at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center.

Andy Ostrowski, MD, Advanced Urology — Andy Ostrowski, MD

Daniel Roberson, PA-C, Advanced Urology — Daniel Roberson, PA-C

Amanda Boulos, PA-C, Advanced Urology — Amanda Boulos, PA-C

Shane Bell, PA-C, Advanced Urology — Shane Bell, PA-C

Anna Flint Todd, PA-C, Advanced Urology — Anna Flint Todd, PA-C

Ionela Turcin, PA-C, Advanced Urology — Ionela Turcin, PA-C

Britany Howard, FNP, Advanced Urology — Britany Howard, FNP

Questions people ask us

Should I go to the ER or call you first?

Go to the ER for fever or chills with stone pain, vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids, little or no urine, or pain that medicine doesn't control. Otherwise call 678-344-8900; with your scan, our team can often plan medicine or a procedure without repeating imaging.

Is lithotripsy painful?

You are under anesthesia during the treatment. Afterward, cramping as fragments pass and some pink urine for several days are common, managed with pain medicine and fluids.

How long does a stent stay in?

Usually for a short period after ureteroscopy. It can cause urgency, a pulling feeling and pink urine until it comes out, and our team tells you the removal date before you leave.

Which kidney stones can pass without a procedure?

Smaller stones, especially near the bladder, often pass within a few weeks with fluids, pain control and a medicine that relaxes the ureter. Larger stones, stones that stop moving, or repeated pain episodes usually need lithotripsy or ureteroscopy.

Do I need to come to Marietta for treatment?

Visits and testing can happen in Marietta, Canton, Dallas or Jasper. Lithotripsy and ureteroscopy are performed at our Marietta Clinic & Surgery Center, with follow-up back at your usual office.

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Educational information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Every treatment has risks, benefits and alternatives to discuss with your clinician.