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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The following urologists treat patients at the USA Health Kidney Stone Center.
Sharon Ezelle, MSN, RN, CPHQ, will serve as a strategic partner to medical staff leadership, clinical leaders and executive teams to foster collaboration and support the mission, vision and goals of the health system.
“These roles further unite our three hospitals – Providence Hospital, University Hospital and Children’s & Women’s Hospital – under one umbrella for patient quality, performance improvement, and safety to better standardize the delivery of care,” said Nathan Polite, D.O., FACS, FACOS, health system associate chief medical officer and chief quality officer for surgery.
Charles L. Rodriguez-Feo, M.D., a third-generation physician, holds the highest level of hand surgery certification (CAQ) and is board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery.
