Is an 8mm Kidney Stone Serious? What You Need to Know

If you’re asking this, chances are you or someone close is in pain.

Kidney stones may start small, but once they reach 8mm, they rarely pass on their own.

They can block urine flow, trigger severe pain, and even damage the kidneys.

But the good news is—advanced, minimally invasive treatments make recovery safe and quick.

Here’s everything you need to know about managing an 8mm kidney stone effectively.

Is an 8mm Kidney Stone Serious?

For many patients, this question sparks concern and discomfort—the answer is yes: an 8mm kidney stone is large, often causing severe pain and risking health complications unless treated promptly.
Kidney stones form from minerals and salts crystallizing in the urine, and when stones reach 8mm, they can block the urinary tract, cause infection, and damage kidney function.

What is an 8mm Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys—most are small and pass naturally, but an 8mm stone is considered “large” and poses risks such as obstruction, infection, and bleeding. Stones form due to supersaturation of minerals (like calcium, oxalate, uric acid) in urine, often linked to dehydration, diet, or metabolic imbalances. Stones of this size are unlikely to pass on their own and often require medical intervention for safe removal.

Symptoms of an 8mm Kidney Stone

A stone of 8mm typically causes:

• Severe pain (renal colic) in the back, side, or lower abdomen
• Blood in urine (hematuria)
• Urinary urgency, difficulty urinating, frequent urination
• Nausea, vomiting, fever (if infection develops)

Prompt diagnosis and treatment prevent complications like infection and kidney damage.

Can an 8mm Kidney Stone Pass Naturally?

Stones larger than 6mm rarely pass without medical help—only about 20% do, often taking months, with high risk of severe pain and complications. Delaying specialist care increases the likelihood of obstruction, infection, and kidney impairment.
An expert evaluation ensures timely intervention, effective pain relief, and optimal outcomes.

Diagnosis of an 8mm Kidney Stone

Diagnosing kidney stones involves:

• Imaging: Ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray to locate and size the stone
• Urine and blood tests: To assess kidney function and infection risk

Next-generation imaging and a multidisciplinary approach support accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment planning.

Treatment Options for an 8mm Kidney Stone

Treatments include:

• Medications: Painkillers, alpha-blockers (to help relax the ureter), and antibiotics (if infection is present)
• Minimally Invasive Procedures:
  • URS (Ureteroscopy with Laser Lithotripsy): Highly success rate
  • RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery): Ideal for stones inside the kidney
  • PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): Preferred for very large or complex stones
  • ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy): Sometimes used—but less effective for stones larger than 8mm

Advanced laparoscopy and laser technology ensure safe removal, rapid recovery, and minimal discomfort.

Complications of Untreated 8mm Kidney Stones

Risks of ignoring large stones are substantial:

• Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling due to blockage)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Kidney damage or even kidney rupture
• Risk of sepsis—a dangerous systemic infection

Prevention of Kidney Stones

Reduce future risk by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids (2–3 liters/day)
• Eating a balanced diet, limiting salt, animal protein, and oxalate-rich foods
• Avoiding excessive calcium and processed foods
• Maintaining regular follow-ups with your urologist

When to See a Doctor Urgently

Seek urgent medical help if facing:

• Severe, unrelieved pain
• Fever and chills
• Persistent bleeding in urine
• Inability to urinate

FAQs About 8mm Kidney Stones

Can I pass an 8mm stone naturally?

Unlikely. Stones this size rarely pass on their own, with less than a 20% chance. Even if they do, it can take weeks, causing severe pain, infection, or blockage—making medical intervention the safest option.

What is the best treatment option?

URS (Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy) and RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) are the most effective. Both are minimally invasive, use lasers to break stones, and ensure quick recovery with high success rates.

How painful is an 8mm stone?

It can be very painful. The blockage causes intense pressure in the kidney, leading to severe, sharp pain (renal colic) that radiates to the abdomen or groin—often considered one of the worst pains a person can feel.

How long does recovery take after laser surgery?

Recovery is usually quick. Most patients resume light activity in 2–3 days and fully recover within 1–2 weeks, with immediate pain relief once the stone is cleared.

Are stones likely to return?

Yes, recurrence is possible if risk factors persist. Lifestyle changes—hydration, diet control, and follow-ups—can greatly reduce the chances of future stones forming.

Conclusion

An 8mm kidney stone is treatable with today’s advanced medical solutions. The expert team at MASSH Hospital, led by Dr. Ankit Goel, provides cutting-edge, patient-friendly care for rapid recovery and long-term kidney health.

If experiencing kidney stone symptoms, book a consultation at MASSH Hospital and start your journey to recovery today!