MOBILE, Ala. – To provide rapid treatment options for people suffering from painful kidney stones, USA Health has opened the Kidney Stone Center at USA Health University Hospital.

Located on the hospital’s second floor, the new center provides consultations within 24 hours, rapid diagnostic imaging, less invasive procedures for faster recovery, and medical management to prevent kidney stones.

“Our goal is to fast-track treatment for patients suffering from a kidney stone,” said Christopher Keel, D.O., FACS, a urologist at USA Health and chair of the department of urology at the Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama. “That’s why we are available 24/7 with immediate access to imaging and care. In most cases, we can schedule a procedure to take place within 24 hours of a patient’s call.”

Keel said people who reside in the Southeast – often called the “Stone Belt” – have a greater likelihood of developing kidney stones. Studies point to the region’s higher temperatures and precipitation, as well as a rich diet, as contributing factors.

Symptoms of a kidney stone can include sharp pain in the lower back and side, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, a burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and a frequent or urgent need to urinate.

USA Health urologists, including a pediatric urology specialist, are skilled in kidney stone treatments such as shock wave lithotripsy, laser lithotripsy, minimally invasive surgery and ureteroscopy. They also serve as faculty in the department of urology, where they train residents who are accepted into the five-year urology residency program.

“As part of an academic health system, we offer the most advanced and comprehensive treatment for patients in our region,” Keel said. “The Kidney Stone Center takes that expertise and makes it accessible to everyone who is dealing with a stone – day or night.”

To make an appointment at the Kidney Stone Center, call 251-660-5930.