Kidney Stone Program

A kidney stone is a rock or hard crystallization that can form anywhere within the urinary tract. They can be painful during passage when they block the flow of urine from the kidney, but they usually have no long-term effect on a child. MUSC Children’s Health offers the complete spectrum of medical and surgical therapy for stone disease.

Our urologists and nephrologists work together to help kids suffering from kidney stones. When a stone doesn’t pass on its own, the doctors gather a thorough history of the child and family’s health, perform an examination, and test the urine for the presence of infection. Pediatric nephrologists will work with you to find out why your child is forming stones and how they can be avoided in the future.

In general, it is always recommended to drink a lot of water, particularly in the summer months when children are more prone to dehydration. A diet that is high in salt (pre-packaged food) and/or meat (animal protein) is also associated with a greater risk for stones.