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.
A low-dose CT scan is the most accurate way to find a stone and measure its size and position; an ultrasound is used when radiation should be avoided, such as in pregnancy. A urinalysis checks for infection and blood, and blood work checks kidney function. If you pass a stone, we analyze it, because the stone type (calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite or cystine) determines how we prevent the next one.
The right choice depends on the stone’s size, its location, how much pain and blockage it is causing, and whether infection is present:
Most stones can be managed in the office, but go to the emergency department right away if you have fever or chills with stone pain, cannot keep fluids down, have only one kidney, or have pain that is not controlled by medication. A blocked, infected kidney is a true emergency.
You can be evaluated for this condition at any of our three offices — Fort Wayne, Anderson and Fishers. Dr. Linke is the same surgeon at every location, so consultations, office procedures and follow-up can happen close to home. Call (260) 702-9515 for Fort Wayne or Fishers, or (765) 375-4653 for Anderson.
Small stones (under 5 mm) often pass within one to three weeks, and medication can speed that up. Larger stones, stones that are not moving after a few weeks, or stones causing uncontrolled pain, infection or kidney blockage are better treated with a procedure than waited out.
A temporary ureteral stent is sometimes placed after ureteroscopy to keep the ureter open while it heals, and in the office to relieve a blocked, painful kidney before definitive treatment. Stents are removed in the office, usually within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Yes. Strain your urine and bring any fragments to your visit. Stone analysis tells us the stone type, which shapes your prevention plan.
Often, yes. Fluid intake, dietary changes and, for frequent stone formers, a metabolic evaluation with targeted medication can cut the risk of another stone substantially.
Yes. Stone evaluation, imaging review and follow-up are available at all three offices, and Dr. Linke performs stone procedures for patients from each location.
Nearly all patients can be seen within one week. Same day pain-relief can also be offered within clinic.
