Kidney stones are one of the most common and painful urologic conditions. Dr. Colin Linke offers advanced diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, and comprehensive stone prevention options in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana.
A thin, flexible scope is passed into the ureter to directly visualize the stone. Laser energy breaks the stone into tiny fragments, which are then removed. No incisions are required, and most patients go home the same day.
For smaller stones, certain medications can relax the ureter and help the stone pass more easily. This approach can reduce pain episodes and avoid the need for surgery when appropriate.
ESWL uses focused sound waves from outside the body to break kidney stones into sand-like pieces that can pass naturally. It is completely noninvasive and ideal for many smaller or upper kidney stones.
For very large or complex kidney stones, a small keyhole incision in the back allows direct access to the kidney. This is the most effective option for stones that cannot be treated with less invasive methods.
Preventing future stones is an important part of treatment. Dr. Linke tailors prevention strategies based on stone type and individual risk factors.
A very unique service provided at Linke Urology & Robotics is same-day, office-based kidney stone relief. For patients struggling with passing a kidney stone, we offer placement of a ureteral stent in office, in order to relieve the acute colicky pain caused from the obstruction. This allows patients to forego expensive Emergency Department trips, save significant time having direct access to pain-relief, and get you set up FAST for your next procedure to remove the kidney stone. This comes at a very affordable price to allow for better care here in Fort Wayne, IN.
Nearly all patients can be seen within one week.
Same day pain-relief can also be offered within clinic.
