Can a 7mm kidney stone dissolve?

Answer 1

Yes, a 7mm kidney stone can dissolve in certain cases, but it depends on the stone’s type, location, and how your body responds to treatment. Kidney stones vary in composition—some, like uric acid stones, can shrink or dissolve with the help of medications that make the urine less acidic.

However, calcium-based stones, which are the most common, generally do not dissolve through medicine alone and may require other treatment approaches.

A 7mm stone is considered moderately large. While tiny stones (below 4mm) often pass naturally, stones that are 6–7mm or larger may struggle to pass on their own.

Some people are able to pass a 7mm stone naturally with the help of pain relievers, increased hydration, and medications called alpha-blockers, which relax the ureter and help stones move down more easily. Still, the success rate is lower compared to smaller stones, and passing it can take days or even weeks.

Doctors usually evaluate several factors before deciding the best treatment approach—your symptoms, the stone’s size and position, the presence of infection, and whether the stone is blocking urine flow. If the stone causes severe pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or urinary obstruction, medical intervention becomes necessary.

If dissolving the stone isn’t possible, minimally invasive treatments are often recommended. Some common procedures include:

• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL):

Sound waves are used to break the stone into smaller pieces so they can pass more easily.

• Ureteroscopy (URS):

A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to break and remove the stone.

• Laser lithotripsy:

A laser is used to fragment the stone into tiny pieces.

These treatments are safe, effective, and involve minimal recovery time. Early consultation ensures faster relief and reduces the risk of kidney damage or infection.

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced kidney stone doctor in Dibrugarh, Sankardeva Hospital offers advanced diagnostic facilities, skilled urologists, and modern kidney stone treatments such as ESWL and laser therapy.

With a patient-centered approach and state-of-the-art care, Sankardeva Hospital ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term guidance to prevent stone recurrence. For safe and professional kidney stone management, Sankardeva Hospital is one of the best choices in Dibrugarh.