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Are you experiencing sharp pain in your lower back or side and wondering if it might be something more serious than just muscle strain? You could be facing one of the most common urological conditions worldwide— kidney stones. Fortunately, if you’re currently in Medellín, Colombia, whether visiting or living here, you’re in the right place to access world-class kidney stones treatment without the high costs seen in many other countries.
I’m Dr. Carlos Velásquez, a board-certified urologist with years of experience helping both local and international patients resolve kidney stone issues using advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Medellín is not only a beautiful, modern city—it’s also a growing hub for medical care, attracting patients from around the world thanks to its excellent specialists, cutting-edge technology, and affordability.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about kidney stones: from what they are and how they form, to how we diagnose and treat them right here in Medellín. Whether you’re in pain now, managing a known diagnosis, or simply looking to take proactive care of your kidney health while you’re here, you’re in the right hands.
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Kidney stones, often referred to as “renal calculi” or simply “stones,” are solid formations made up of minerals and salts that develop inside your kidneys. They can be as tiny as a grain of sand—or, in more serious cases, as large as a marble—and can cause significant discomfort or even lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
Your kidneys work hard to filter waste and excess substances from your blood, turning them into urine. Sometimes, however, there’s an imbalance: too many minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine, and not enough fluid to flush them out. Over time, this concentration leads to the crystallization of these substances, forming what we know as kidney stones.
Think of it like this: when you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes more concentrated—like trying to dissolve a spoonful of salt in a tiny bit of water. Eventually, that salt clumps together. The same happens in your kidneys.
Kidney stones can affect anyone, but certain factors increase your risk:
The number one trigger. Medellín's pleasant climate might not remind you to drink water, but it’s crucial.
High consumption of sodium, animal proteins, or foods rich in oxalates (like spinach or nuts).
Genetics often play a role.
Such as gout, recurrent urinary infections, or metabolic imbalances.
Understanding how kidney stones form is the first step in preventing or treating them. And the good news is: with early diagnosis and the right approach, most kidney stones can be managed effectively—especially here in Medellín, where expert urological care is just a consultation away.
How do you know if that intense back pain is more than just a muscle strain or poor posture from travel? When it comes to kidney stones, recognizing the signs early can make all the difference—especially if you’re in a new country and unsure about where to turn for care.
Kidney stones don’t always make themselves known right away. Some can go unnoticed until they start moving through your urinary tract, and that’s when the symptoms hit—fast and hard. Here are the most common red flags:
This is the most classic symptom of kidney stones. The pain often begins suddenly and may feel sharp, stabbing, or cramping. It’s usually located in the flank area (just below your ribs on one side) and may move downward toward the abdomen. What makes it especially distressing is its intensity—it comes in waves, increasing and decreasing, much like labor pains or muscle spasms. It’s often described as one of the most severe types of pain a person can experience.
As the stone moves down through the urinary tract—especially into the ureter, which connects the kidney to the bladder—it can cause pain that shoots or spreads into the lower abdomen and groin area. In men, this can also extend into the testicles, while in women, it may feel like deep pelvic pressure.
When a stone is near the bladder or urethra, it can irritate these tissues, causing a burning feeling during urination (also known as dysuria). This can often be confused with a urinary tract infection but tends to come alongside other kidney stone symptoms like back pain or blood in the urine.
You might feel the need to urinate urgently and frequently, but pass very little urine each time. This happens when a stone blocks the flow or irritates the bladder, making it feel full even when it’s not. In some cases, the urine stream may become weak, intermittent, or painful.
As the stone moves through the urinary tract, it can scratch or irritate the lining of the kidneys or ureters, causing bleeding. This may turn the urine pink, red, or even brown. Sometimes the blood isn’t visible to the naked eye but is detected during a urine test.
The kidneys are close to the gastrointestinal system, and intense pain can trigger nausea or vomiting as a reflex. This is especially common during a severe pain episode (renal colic) and can make it hard to eat or drink.
Cloudy urine can be a sign of infection, or it might result from a buildup of minerals and white blood cells. A strong or unpleasant odor might also suggest bacteria or inflammation in the urinary tract.
If you have a kidney stone and develop a fever, this is a red flag. It could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney infection (pyelonephritis) due to a blocked flow of urine. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment to avoid complications like kidney damage or sepsis.
Yes, and that can lead to misdiagnosis—especially in women, where symptoms like pelvic discomfort or urinary urgency are often mistaken for urinary tract infections.
| Symptom | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Radiating Pain | Often spreads to testicles or groin | May radiate to pelvic area |
| Abdominal Discomfort | More localized to lower abdomen | Sometimes mistaken for menstrual cramps |
| Urinary Symptoms | Pain and frequency may be less intense | Often confused with urinary tract infections |
| Pain Perception | Sharp, stabbing in flank or lower back | Dull or cramping in lower abdomen or pelvis |
Whether you’re male or female, the key is not to ignore ongoing urinary symptoms or unexplained abdominal pain. A quick consultation with a local specialist can rule out kidney stones or catch them before they become more serious.
Wouldn’t it be better to avoid kidney stones altogether? The truth is, many people only start to take their kidney health seriously after a painful episode. But prevention is not only possible—it’s actually simple and highly effective, especially when you’re in a city like Medellín, where access to medical guidance and healthy lifestyle options is both affordable and convenient.
Whether you’ve had kidney stones before or simply want to avoid them, here are doctor-recommended strategies to reduce your risk:
This is rule number one. Drinking enough water is the most effective way to prevent kidney stones. When you’re well-hydrated, your urine stays diluted, which helps prevent minerals from sticking together and forming crystals.
A high-sodium diet increases the amount of calcium in your urine, which promotes stone formation. Watch out for processed foods, canned soups, fast food, and even restaurant meals—they’re often loaded with salt.
Too much red meat, poultry, and eggs can increase uric acid levels in your urine, which can trigger stone formation. Try incorporating more plant-based proteins into your meals. Beans, lentils, and quinoa are great options—and widely available here.
Oxalates are compounds found in foods like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate. While healthy in moderation, eating large amounts without balancing them with calcium can lead to stone formation.
Fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges contain natural citrate, which helps prevent crystals from forming and even breaks down small stones.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive sitting or sedentary behavior can all lower your risk. Staying active keeps your metabolism balanced and your kidneys functioning well.
If you’ve had stones before, or if you have a family history of kidney disease, a preventive consultation with a urologist can make all the difference. Dr. Carlos Velásquez offers preventive screening, lifestyle counseling, and personalized risk assessments for both locals and international patients in Medellín.
Preventing kidney stones doesn’t have to be difficult—and it definitely doesn’t have to be expensive. With some simple changes and the right medical support, you can protect your kidneys for the long term.
Not sure if that pain is really from kidney stones? The only way to know for sure—and to get the right treatment—is with a proper medical diagnosis. Fortunately, getting tested in Medellín is fast, affordable, and reliable.
Here at our urology clinic, we offer modern diagnostic tools that help us determine exactly what’s going on inside your kidneys. If you’re visiting or living in Medellín and suspect you might have kidney stones, here’s what you can expect from your first consultation:
We’ll start with a one-on-one conversation about your health, current symptoms, lifestyle, and family history. This helps us understand your personal risk and how urgently we need to act. You don’t need to prepare anything special—just be honest about what you’re feeling and experiencing.
A simple urine test can provide a lot of insight. It helps detect:
This test also tells us whether your urine is too concentrated—which is one of the top causes of stone formation.
To confirm the presence, size, and location of kidney stones, we may use one or more of the following:
In Medellín, these tests are accessible and affordable, even without local insurance. Most results are available the same day or within 24 hours.
After reviewing your tests, I’ll walk you through the results in plain language—no confusing medical jargon. If stones are found, we’ll talk about your treatment options based on size, location, and symptoms.
Even if no stones are present, we’ll look into other possible causes of your symptoms, and I’ll guide you on how to protect your kidney health moving forward.
🗓️ Good news for visitors and expats: You don’t need to wait weeks for an appointment. In most cases, we can schedule consultations within 24–48 hours and help coordinate any follow-up tests or treatments you may need.
Early diagnosis is the key to avoiding unnecessary pain and complications. If you’re in Medellín and think you might be dealing with kidney stones, this is the perfect time—and place—to take action.
Already diagnosed with kidney stones—or suspecting that’s what’s causing your symptoms? The next step is knowing how we can treat them. Here in Medellín, you’ll find world-class urological care with advanced technology and highly trained specialists—at a fraction of the cost you’d expect in North America or Europe.
Whether you’re a visitor, an expat, or a long-term resident, we offer a full range of non-surgical and surgical treatments tailored to your specific case. Let’s break them down:
Not every kidney stone requires surgery. In fact, many stones, especially if they’re small (under 5 mm) and not causing severe symptoms, can be managed without any invasive procedures.
When stones are too large, painful, or causing complications, we may recommend a minimally invasive procedure. These options are safe, effective, and come with short recovery times.
A non-invasive procedure that uses focused sound waves to break stones into small fragments that can pass naturally in urine.
A small camera (ureteroscope) is inserted through the urinary tract to locate and either remove or laser-fragment the stone.
Recommended for very large or complex stones, this procedure involves a tiny incision in the back to access the kidney directly.
In extreme cases—such as giant stones or anatomical complications—open surgery may be necessary. Fortunately, thanks to modern techniques, this is rarely required today.
There’s no need to wait in pain or travel back home for care. Medellín offers everything you need to manage your kidney stones—safely, affordably, and effectively.
When it comes to kidney stones treatment, choosing the right specialist is just as important as choosing the right method. Medellín offers top-tier medical professionals, and Dr. Carlos Velásquez stands out for his experience, surgical expertise, and dedication to personalized care.
Whether you’re living in Medellín long-term or visiting temporarily, Dr. Velásquez provides a trusted, accessible, and bilingual service tailored to international patients.
“My mission is to offer safe, effective, and compassionate urologic care—especially to those who seek the best medical options while in Medellín.”
Dr. Carlos Eduardo Velásquez Córdoba is a highly recognized urologist based in Medellín, Colombia, with over a decade of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of urinary and reproductive system conditions. He trained in medicine and surgery at Universidad CES, and later specialized in Urology at the Universidad Militar Nueva Granada (UMNG) in Bogotá.
Dr. Velásquez is not just known for his technical skill but also for his human approach—patients often highlight the clarity, empathy, and transparency he brings to every consultation.
Still have questions? You’re not alone. Many patients—especially those visiting or living abroad—have concerns about symptoms, treatment timelines, and what to expect. Here are some of the most common questions we hear in our practice in Medellín:
Yes, many small stones (usually under 5 mm) can pass naturally through the urinary tract with proper hydration and medication. You may still feel discomfort during this process, but with medical guidance, it’s often manageable and doesn’t require surgery.
Stones larger than 6–7 mm often need assistance to pass, especially if they’re causing severe pain, blockage, or infection. In those cases, we recommend minimally invasive procedures like ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy, both of which are safe and effective.
Most patients tolerate it very well. It’s a non-invasive, outpatient procedure that uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. Some mild discomfort or blood in the urine may follow, but recovery is usually quick, and anesthesia is often not needed.
Yes, unfortunately, they can. That’s why part of your treatment plan will include prevention strategies—such as dietary advice, hydration goals, and in some cases, medications. We also analyze the type of stone you had to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Most patients can complete diagnosis, testing, and treatment in just a few days. If you’re visiting the city, we do our best to coordinate care efficiently around your travel schedule. Many procedures are done on an outpatient basis, meaning no hospital stay is required.
Absolutely. We work with many international patients who pay directly or through international insurance. Costs are transparent and significantly lower than in North America or Europe, without compromising on quality.
If you’re experiencing sudden pain in your lower back, blood in your urine, difficulty urinating, or frequent urinary infections, don’t wait. These may be signs of kidney stones or another urological condition—and early treatment can prevent complications.
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