Skip to content
USA Health surgeons perform a procedure.

About USA Health Kidney Stone Center

24/7 Immediate Access for Patients

The USA Health Kidney Stone Center on the second floor of University Hospital provides rapid treatment options for patients with kidney stones on the upper Gulf Coast. If your healthcare provider has identified a kidney stone, just call our 24/7 appointment line. In most cases, we are able to schedule a procedure to take place within 24 hours of your call.

Scroll down to learn more about our treatment options.

An illustration demonstrating a Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy procedure.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

In Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), one of the most-common treatments, a kidney stone is broken apart by high-energy shock waves from outside the body. The shock waves turn the kidney stone into small pieces, the size of a grain of sand, which can be passed naturally. 

An illustration of a laser lithotripsy procedure within a kidney

Laser Lithotripsy

During Laser Lithotripsy, a ureteroscope is inserted through the urethra to access the stone, and a laser in the scope is used to break-up large or irregularly shaped stones. Larger fragments can be collected and removed during the procedure, and smaller fragments can be passed naturally.

An illustration of a Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy procedure

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a minimally invasive approach to surgically removing irregularly shaped kidney stones or ones larger than 2 centimeters. Through a small incision in the back, the doctor will use a nephroscope to find the stone and remove it through a tube.

A photograph of instruments used for a ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy

Using ureteroscopy, doctors can treat kidney stones located anywhere in the ureter or kidneys, including close to the bladder. A small scope is inserted through the urethra. Once the stone is located, a small basket can catch and remove it, or the stone can be broken up into smaller pieces. Ureteroscopy is often used for patients who are pregnant or who otherwise aren't suited for other procedures.

Providers at the Kidney Stone Center

The following urologists treat patients at the USA Health Kidney Stone Center.

Recent News

View All News

Upcoming Events

Jan172025

Please join us for the Providence Foundation's annual Charity Clay Shoot at Bushy Creek Clays and Events in Perdido, Alabama. Proceeds will benefit Providence Pulmonary Patient Care.

Jan302025

Join us Thursday, Jan. 30, at the Soul Kitchen in downtown Mobile for the fourth annual Doc Rock, a “battle of the bands” event that supports research and critical clinical needs at USA Health.

Dec312025

Our calendar lists special events and regularly scheduled classes separately. To display a list of upcoming classes, select the "Classes" option above or visit Events, Classes and Support Groups at USA Health.

View All Events
This link will open in a new tab or window.