Private Kidney Stone Removal | Find Vetted Canadian Urologists

What is kidney stone surgery?

Kidney stone surgery is how doctors remove or break up stones that are blocking the urine pathway. Stones are hard clumps of minerals that can get stuck in the kidney or ureter (the tube from kidney to bladder). There are a few main ways to fix this, chosen by stone size, location, and makeup.

Ureteroscopy is the most common: a thin camera goes in through the urethra and bladder into the ureter or kidney. A laser turns the stone into tiny pieces, which are either pulled out or left to pass naturally.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy works from outside the body. A machine focuses sound waves on the stone until it cracks into sand-like bits you can pee out.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is for big or complex stones. The surgeon makes a small incision in the back, creates a tunnel into the kidney, and uses tools to break and remove the stone directly.
Sometimes a temporary stent (a soft tube) is placed to keep urine flowing while the area heals. The goal in all methods is the same: clear the blockage so urine moves freely and pain stops.

Why do Canadians get kidney stone removal done privately?

Shorter wait times

Public queues for ESWL or ureteroscopy can be long. Private centres often book consults and procedures within days to weeks—reducing time with colicky pain, nausea, and missed work or travel.

Choice and control

Choose a high‑volume kidney stone surgeon and the technique that fits your stone (ESWL vs ureteroscopy vs mini‑PCNL).
Pick the clinic location/date that works with job, caregiving, and travel; many offer virtual consults.

Peace of mind

You know who’s operating, the anesthesia plan, and whether a stent is expected—easier to plan rides, time off, and help at home.

Preventing further decline

Function: Faster relief lowers ER visits, dehydration, and repeated pain crises.
Infection and obstruction risk: Earlier stone clearance can reduce the chance of infected blockage or kidney strain.
Complexity: Treating stones before they grow, migrate, or cluster can mean simpler procedures.

Practical extras

Access to specific technologies (dusting lasers, flexible scopes) not available locally.
Streamlined imaging and lab work, direct post‑op contact, and coordinated follow‑up for stent removal and prevention planning.

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Kidney stone removal: what to expect

Ureteroscopy with laser: about 45–90 minutes of operating time (one side). Plan a few extra hours for check‑in, anesthesia, and recovery.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy: about 30–60 minutes. Often outpatient.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL/mini‑PCNL): 1.5–3 hours for larger stones; usually involves an overnight stay.

Basic steps

Check‑in and plan

You meet the team, review scans (CT/ultrasound), and confirm which procedure you’re having and which side.

Anesthesia

URS/PCNL: usually general anesthesia (you’re asleep).
ESWL: sedation or light anesthesia; sometimes just pain medicine.

Position and prep

You’re positioned safely; monitors and an IV are placed. The area is cleaned and draped.

Camera or shock setup

URS: A tiny scope goes through the urethra → bladder → ureter/kidney. No cuts on the skin.
ESWL: You lie on a special table; the machine targets the stone using X‑ray or ultrasound.
PCNL: A small incision in the back creates a tunnel into the kidney; a camera and tools go through this tract.

Break and clear the stone

URS: A laser breaks the stone; pieces are removed with tiny baskets or left small enough to pass.
ESWL: Focused shock waves crack the stone into sand‑like bits you can pee out.
PCNL: The surgeon breaks and suctions out large stones directly.

Stent or drain (if needed)

URS/PCNL: A temporary ureteral stent (soft tube) may be placed to keep urine flowing and reduce swelling.
ESWL: Usually no stent unless there’s a risk of blockage.

Close up and instructions

URS: No external stitches. PCNL: small back incision closed with a stitch or glue. ESWL: no incisions.
You wake up in recovery, get pain/meds instructions, and a plan for follow‑up and possible stent removal. Most URS/ESWL cases go home the same day.

Dr. Joe Costa, ACL reconstruction surgeon

Expert Surgeon Insight

Dr. David Eiley: what to expect from the consultation

Consultations—virtual and in-person—are conducted directly with the surgeon, who will carefully review relevant symptoms, local lab results, xrays, and doctor evaluations.

These should not be rushed, and you should come prepared, as the surgeon will digest all this information to create a tailored treatment plan. Recommendations will be individualized to your specific case as there is no ‘one size fits all’ template to be applied. No surgeon should ever pressure you to pursue one option or another, and should give you the time and space you need to decide the path forward.

Kidney stone pain can be intense and come and go without any warning. It is damaging to your kidneys and limits your ability to work, travel, and enjoy the quality of life you deserve. Surgical wait lists across the country have become increasingly long, and at Montréal Urology Clinic, our commitment is to achieve a ’stone-free’ status for you as soon as possible. Visit Dr. Eiley's profile for more information.

BROWSE SURGEONS

Choosing a surgeon and clinic

Choosing your surgeon is one of the biggest benefits of going private—use it to your advantage.

What to look for

Experience and volume

Ask how many stone procedures they perform per year and their case mix:
- Ureteroscopy with laser (flexible/rigid), ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy), mini/micro‑PCNL, standard PCNL, stent/nephrostomy management.
Ask for outcomes in patients like you (stone size, location, density/Hounsfield units, anatomy, prior surgeries).
High volume and standardized pathways generally mean smoother care and fewer complications.

Credentials and training

Verify licensure with your provincial college (CPSO Ontario, CPSBC BC, CPSA Alberta, CMQ Québec, etc.).
Look for FRCSC‑certified urologists with endourology/stone fellowship or clear high‑volume stone practice; for PCNL, confirm specific training and team experience.

Outcomes and safety

Request stone‑free rates by procedure and size/location, unplanned ER visits, infection/sepsis rates, need for second‑look surgery, stent discomfort readmissions.
Ask about same‑day discharge rates for URS/ESWL and overnight needs for PCNL.

Indications and alternatives

Confirm non‑operative options were considered (trial of passage, medical expulsive therapy, hydration/pain plan).
Clear indications = better odds of meeting expectations.

Surgical plan and techniques

Ureteroscopy: laser settings (dusting vs fragmentation), use of access sheath, basketing strategy, plan for stent (yes/no, how long).
ESWL: targeting method (ultrasound/X‑ray), max shocks/energy, policy on repeat sessions.
PCNL: tract size (mini vs standard), imaging guidance, single‑step vs staged, plan for nephrostomy tube.
Approach if multiple stones or both sides; plan if they encounter tight ureter or impacted stone.

Imaging and planning

Use of low‑dose CT for size/location/density, KUB/ultrasound for follow‑up.
How imaging changes the plan (e.g., high‑density stones → URS/PCNL over ESWL).

Facility accreditation

Confirm the center is accredited (Accreditation Canada/CAAASF or provincial non‑hospital program) with appropriate equipment: modern laser, flexible scopes, ESWL unit, fluoroscopy/ultrasound, and sterile processing.
Hospital transfer agreements for emergencies.

Aftercare integration

Clear written instructions: hydration, pain/bladder spasm meds, when to seek help.
Stent removal plan (where, when, included in cost).
Prevention program: stone analysis, metabolic workup, diet advice; coordination with your local provider.

Questions to ask during your kidney stone consultation

Surgeon and surgery plan

How many URS/ESWL/PCNL cases do you do yearly? What are your stone‑free rates for stones like mine?
What are your recent (last 12–24 months) rates for infection/sepsis, ER returns, unplanned admissions, and need for second procedures?
Which option do you recommend for me (and why) given stone size, location, and density?
Will you place a stent? For how long? How is removal handled?

Anesthesia and logistics

What anesthesia do you use for my procedure? Same‑day discharge or overnight?
If access is difficult (tight ureter, impacted stone), what’s the backup plan?

Recovery and follow‑up

Expected timeline to return to desk work vs manual work, exercise, and travel?
What imaging do you use to confirm clearance, and when?
Who do I contact after hours? Typical response time? How many follow‑ups are included, and can some be virtual?

Costs and transparency

What exactly is included in my quote (surgeon, anesthesia, facility, laser fees, disposables, imaging during the procedure, stent placement/removal, immediate follow‑ups)?
What could add cost (extra OR time, repeat ESWL, second‑look URS, hospital admission, unexpected imaging, nephrostomy)?
If you need to change the plan mid‑procedure, how are consent and pricing handled?

Signals of a high‑quality program

Publishes or shares stone‑free and complication rates by procedure and stone size/location.
Has modern endourology equipment and standardized safety protocols (antibiotic screening, temperature/urinalysis check, time‑outs).
Provides itemized, transparent pricing with clear inclusions/exclusions.
Coordinates prevention workup and gives you direct post‑op contact details and a clear stent plan.

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If you're currently interested in private surgical pathways within Canada, you can click here for a list of providers.

BROWSE SURGEONS

Kidney stone removal surgery frequently asked questions

How do I know if I should get kidney stone removal?

Kidney stone removal is when a urologist breaks or removes a stone that’s blocking urine or causing bad pain.

It might be right for you if:

You have severe, repeated flank/side pain, vomiting, or can’t keep fluids down
The stone is stuck, big, or not moving after a fair trial of “watch and wait”
Imaging (CT/ultrasound/X‑ray) shows a stone that’s unlikely to pass on its own
There are signs of infection with a blockage (this needs urgent treatment)
You have one kidney, are pregnant, or have medical reasons not to wait

Common reasons people get kidney stone surgery

Ureter stones causing ongoing colic pain or blockage
Large kidney stones or hard stones unlikely to break up naturally
Recurrent ER visits, dehydration, or missed school/work because of the stone
Stones with infection risk or kidney swelling (hydronephrosis)

When surgery might not be right (yet)

Small stone (often ≤5 mm) with improving pain and good urine flow
No infection, normal kidney function, and you can drink and manage pain at home
You and your doctor choose a short trial of passage with meds

If your stone is large, stuck, or causing infection, blockage, or repeated severe pain, timely surgery can clear it and protect your kidney. If it’s small and moving with manageable symptoms, a short, supervised trial of passage can be safe. A urologist can match the plan to your scans and goals.

Do I need a referral?

Yes and no—you can reach out to any of the private surgeons listed on Surgency without a referral. Their intake teams are happy to answer questions, explain what they treat, share pricing ranges, and walk you through next steps.

However, to book a formal consultation with the surgeon, you'll typically need a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Don't have one? Many of the clinics can help coordinate a virtual GP appointment to get the referral paperwork sorted. All surgeons listed on Surgency offer virtual initial consultations, so you don't need to travel until you and the surgeon have agreed on a plan.

Before your consultation, expect the clinic to request relevant medical records and recent diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, lab work, etc.). Having these ready speeds up the process and lets the surgeon give you specific guidance on your very first call.

Click here for a list of surgical providers

How do I prepare?

Your surgeon’s instructions come first—follow their plan if it differs.

Prehab and health optimization

Hydration habit: Aim for pale-yellow urine in the days before surgery unless told otherwise.
Stop smoking/vaping: Nicotine slows healing and raises infection risks. Quitting 4+ weeks before helps.
Medications: Share all meds/supplements. You may need to pause blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin, DOACs), certain anti‑inflammatories, and some herbal products. Only stop if your physician says so.
Infection check: Tell the team about any fever, burning pee, or foul urine; a urine test is often required pre‑op.
Fitness and diet: Light walks, balanced meals, adequate protein, and good sleep support recovery.
Medical clearance: Some people need bloodwork, ECG, or imaging depending on age/medical history.

Home prep

Bathroom: Stock extra toilet paper, a clean urinal/collection hat if provided, and a dark towel (pink urine can look dramatic).
Comfort aids: Heating pad (low), ice pack, water bottle, fibre/stool softener, anti‑nausea plan if you’re prone.
Rest zone: Set up a comfy spot with charger, meds, water, and a small trash bin.
Clothing: Loose pants/underwear. For PCNL, have gauze/skin tape for the small back incision.

Support and logistics

A helper: Arrange a ride home and someone to stay the first 24 hours.
Work/school: Plan time off. Typical: 1–3 days for ESWL/ureteroscopy; longer for PCNL or heavy labor.
Follow-ups: Book stent removal (if planned) and post‑op imaging before surgery day to avoid delays.

Food, meds, and surgery‑day prep

Fasting: Follow anesthesia rules (often no solids after midnight; clear fluids up to a set time).
Pain/spasm plan: Pick up acetaminophen/ibuprofen (if allowed) and any prescribed meds (e.g., tamsulosin, bladder spasm meds).
Constipation plan: Start fiber and a stool softener 1–2 days before—opioids and reduced activity can constipate.
Skin prep: Shower night before and morning of surgery; no lotions. Do not shave the operative area.
What to bring: Photo ID/health card, medication list, comfortable clothes, and a sanitary pad or brief (pink urine can drip after).
Jewelry and nails: Remove rings/bracelets; keep at least one fingernail natural for oxygen monitoring.

How much does Surgency cost?

Surgency is free for patients, funded for by surgeons.

Surgeons—who meet our listing criteria—pay a flat fee to list on the Surgency platform. To maintain objectivity, there are no commissions, referral fees, nor any ranking or recommending one surgeon over another.

Surgency is patient-first. Our goal is to make the process of finding a private surgeon as simple as possible. You choose who to contact. Learn more in our Advertising Policy.

What are the risks involved?

Your individual risk depends on your health, stone size/location, the exact procedure (ESWL shock waves, ureteroscopy with laser, or PCNL), anesthesia, and how closely you follow after‑care. Discuss your personal risks with your urologist.

Common and usually temporary

Crampy side/back pain, burning with peeing, and pink/red urine for a few days
Nausea from anesthesia; constipation from pain meds
Peeing more often or urgently, especially if a stent is placed
Mild bruising or soreness at the back incision if you had PCNL

Less common

Infection (urinary tract or wound), sometimes needing antibiotics
Hematoma or bleeding that lasts longer than expected
Temporary urinary retention (trouble peeing), often related to swelling or a stent
Ureter spasm or irritation causing colicky waves of pain as fragments pass
Need for another procedure if pieces remain

Procedure‑specific risks (depend on what’s being done)

ESWL: bruising on the skin, incomplete break‑up so a repeat session is needed
Ureteroscopy: ureter injury/tear or narrowing (stricture) later; stent discomfort until removal
PCNL: more bleeding, fever/infection risk, lung/nearby organ irritation in rare cases due to the back tract

Uncommon but important

Severe infection/sepsis (fever, chills, feeling very ill)
Significant bleeding needing a procedure or transfusion (more relevant in PCNL)
Persistent obstruction from fragments (“steinstrasse”) requiring another treatment
Lasting ureter stricture causing ongoing blockage
Blood clots in the legs/lungs (rare but serious)

How you can lower risk

Follow pre‑op instructions (urine culture if asked, medication holds, antiseptic shower)
Don’t ignore fever or worsening pain; start prescribed antibiotics promptly if given
Hydrate, walk, and take pain/bladder spasm meds as directed
Keep any incision clean/dry (PCNL); know your stent removal date and plan

Kidney stone surgery is generally safe and effective at clearing stones and protecting the kidney. Most issues are mild and short‑term. Serious problems are uncommon—especially with an experienced urology team and good after‑care. Your urologist will explain which risks matter most for your stone and the chosen procedure.

What are the risks of delaying or not pursuing surgery?

Your situation depends on your pain level, where the stone is, its size/hardness (from CT/ultrasound), whether there’s infection, and how well non‑surgical care is working (hydration, pain meds, medical expulsive therapy). Discuss specifics with your urologist.

Main risks of delaying or not having kidney stone removal (when symptoms are significant/persistent)

Progressive pain and life disruption

Repeated “colic” attacks (waves of severe side/back pain), night wakings, ER visits, and missed school/work.
Increasing reliance on pain meds, with nausea and dehydration.

Kidney and urinary tract damage

Ongoing blockage can swell the kidney (hydronephrosis) and reduce kidney function over time.
A stuck stone can cause scarring or narrowing of the ureter (stricture), making future blockages more likely.

Infection risk

Urine trapped behind a stone can get infected. An infected blockage can lead to sepsis (a dangerous, body‑wide infection) and requires urgent treatment.

Stone growth and migration

Stones can grow, multiply, or move to tighter spots, making later treatment more complex or painful.
Fragment “trains” (steinstrasse) can form after partial break‑up, causing new blockages.

Lower quality of life

Constant bathroom trips, burning pee, blood in urine, and anxiety about sudden pain attacks.
Avoiding activities, sports, or travel for fear of flare‑ups.

Harder procedure and recovery later

Larger, harder, or multiple stones may need bigger procedures (PCNL) instead of simpler options (ESWL/ureteroscopy).
Longer OR time, more chance of needing a second procedure or a temporary stent/nephrostomy.

Medication‑related downsides

Long‑term NSAIDs/opioids raise risks (stomach/kidney issues, dependence) and can complicate care.

When watchful waiting can be reasonable

Small stone (often ≤5 mm), pain is manageable, you can drink fluids, no fever, kidney function is fine, and imaging shows the stone is moving.
You’re on a short, supervised trial of passage with a plan for follow‑up.

When not to delay

Fever/chills with a known stone (possible infected blockage).
Uncontrolled pain or vomiting/dehydration despite meds.
Single kidney, rising creatinine, worsening hydronephrosis, pregnancy with persistent obstruction, or a stone >5–7 mm that isn’t moving.

If your stone is big, stuck, or causing infection, blockage, or repeat severe pain, timely removal protects your kidney and ends the cycle of flare‑ups. If symptoms are mild and stable, a short, closely monitored trial of passage can be safe. Your urologist can match the plan to your scans, health, and goals.

I still have questions

If you still have questions, then feel free to contact us directly.