Kidney Stones in India: 24 Data-Backed Insights on Symptoms, Treatment, Recovery & Costs

Kidney stones are one of the most common urological conditions affecting adults in India. They occur when minerals and salts in the urine crystallise and form hard deposits inside the kidneys. While some kidney stones may pass naturally, others can cause severe pain, urinary blockage, infection, and in certain cases, require surgery or hospitalisation².

As per Go Digit General Insurance (Digit) health insurance claims data for FY 2025-26, these insights explore who is most likely to develop kidney stones, the symptoms patients commonly experience, how long recovery usually takes, how treatment costs vary across cities, and why adequate health insurance can be important. Understanding these trends can help patients recognise warning signs, seek timely treatment, and prepare for potential healthcare expenses.

Kidney stones can affect patients in different ways depending on their age, risk factors, stone size, treatment approach, and overall health. These 24 insights below explore common patterns observed across symptoms, recovery, hospitalisation, treatment procedures, costs, and prevention.

1. Around 70-80% of Kidney Stones are Calcium Stones

Not all kidney stones are the same. Kidney stones can be made from different substances in the body. In fact, calcium stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, account for around 70-80% of all kidney stone cases, making them the most common type of kidney stone¹.

However, there are many types of kidney stones. Other types include:

• Calcium Phosphate Stones: These stones typically develop when urine becomes too alkaline.
• Struvite Stones: Usually develop after recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can grow rapidly.
• Uric Acid Stones: It can develop when urine becomes too acidic.
• Cystine Stones: A rare form associated with inherited genetic conditions.

2. Kidney Stone Size Can Vary from Under 2 mm to More Than 1 cm

Many people imagine kidney stones as small particles, but they can vary dramatically in size from 2 mm to 1 cm+.

Smaller stones, typically less than 5 mm, often pass naturally through the urinary tract. However, larger stones of 7 mm and above may become lodged in the urinary tract, causing severe pain, urinary blockage, infection, or kidney damage².

3. Kidney Stone Cases Tend to Peak During the Summer Months (April, May and June)

Kidney stone cases appear to be most common during the warmer months of the year. According to Digit's data, May recorded the highest number of kidney stone cases, followed by June and April.

This is because higher temperatures increase the risk of dehydration, which can lead to more concentrated urine. When hydration levels are not adequately maintained, minerals in the urine are more likely to crystallise and form stones. However, reduced fluid intake during hot weather can further increase this risk⁴.

4. Hyderabad and Bengaluru Report the Highest Number of Kidney Stone Cases in India

Kidney stone cases are heavily concentrated in a few large urban centres where access to specialised urology care is widely available. As per Digit analysis, Hyderabad recorded the highest number of cases, making it the leading city for kidney stone treatment, followed by Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune and Delhi.

The concentration of cases in major metropolitan cities may be influenced by larger populations, greater healthcare access, higher referral volumes, and lifestyle factors linked to urban living.

5. People Aged 26 to 35 Report the Highest Number of Kidney Stone Cases

Kidney stones appear to affect individuals in their most active working years more frequently than other age groups. Digit data states that, "The highest number of cases were reported among people aged 26 to 35 years".

Lifestyle factors such as dehydration, dietary habits, obesity, sedentary routines, and occupational stress may contribute to the higher incidence observed among younger adults.

6. Men Account for Nearly 73 - 75% of Kidney Stone Cases

Kidney stones are significantly more common among men than women. Digit data suggests that Men accounted for 73 – 75% of all reported kidney stone cases, while women accounted for 27 – 25% reported cases, highlighting a clear gender difference in the occurrence of the condition.

This trend is consistent with clinical evidence, which shows that men are more likely to develop kidney stones due to factors such as lower fluid intake, higher dietary salt and protein consumption, occupational exposure to heat, and certain metabolic risk factors³.

7. Dehydration is One of the Biggest Risk Factors for Kidney Stone Formation

One of the most preventable causes of kidney stones is inadequate fluid intake. When the body becomes dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, allowing minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallise and form stones³.

Other common risk factors include high salt consumption, obesity, excessive intake of animal protein, a family history of kidney stones, and certain medical conditions such as gout and metabolic disorders.

8. Most Kidney Stone Patients Experience Severe Abdominal or Flank Pain

Severe abdominal or flank pain is one of the most frequently reported symptoms among people with kidney stones and is the reason patients seek urgent medical attention. The pain can occur suddenly and may be intense enough to interfere with daily activities, making kidney stones one of the most painful urological conditions³.

It is often referred to as renal colic, this pain typically develops when a stone moves through the urinary tract and obstructs the flow of urine. The discomfort may start in the back or side and radiate towards the lower abdomen or groin³.

9. Only 4 - 5% of Kidney Stone Cases Required ICU Care

Kidney stones can be extremely painful, but serious complications requiring intensive care are relatively uncommon. According to Digit, only 4 – 5% of kidney stone cases required ICU admission.

This low percentage indicates that the majority of kidney stone treatments are managed without critical care support. ICU admissions are typically linked to severe infections, kidney function complications, sepsis risk, or other serious medical conditions occurring alongside kidney stones.

10. Kidney Stone Cases with Infection Can Extend Recovery to More Than 5 Days

Kidney stones can sometimes block the flow of urine, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney infections (pyelonephritis), or, in severe cases, bloodstream infections (urosepsis)⁵.

While most kidney stone patients recover and return home within a few days, the presence of an infection can significantly delay recovery. As per Digit's analysis, kidney stone cases complicated by infection required an average hospital stay of more than 5 days.

11. Over 63 - 65% of Kidney Stone Patients Require Surgical Treatment

Kidney stones often require more than just medication, especially when stones are large, cause persistent pain, obstruct urine flow, or fail to pass naturally. As per Digit, 63 – 65% of kidney stone patients underwent a surgical procedure for kidney stone removal.

This indicates that while some stones can be managed conservatively, surgery or minimally invasive interventions are necessary to remove stones, relieve obstruction, and prevent long-term complications such as infection or kidney damage³.

12. Ureteroscopy is the Most Commonly Used Procedure for Kidney Stone Treatment

When kidney stones do not pass naturally, doctors may recommend different procedures to remove or break. As per Digit's data, Ureteroscopy emerged as the most frequently used treatment approach, followed by ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

These procedures include³:

• Ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to locate and remove kidney stones.
• ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy) uses shock waves from outside the body to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can be passed naturally.
• PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) is a procedure used to remove large or complex kidney stones through a small incision made in the back.
• Laser Lithotripsy uses laser energy to break kidney stones into tiny pieces during ureteroscopy.

13. DJ Stents are Used to Relieve Blockages and Support Recovery After Treatment

Kidney stones can sometimes block the normal flow of urine, causing pain, swelling, or an increased risk of infection. In such situations, doctors may place a DJ (Double J) stent to help drain urine from the kidney to the bladder and relieve pressure on the urinary tract.

DJ stents are commonly used when a stone is causing obstruction or after procedures such as ureteroscopy to support healing. By restoring urine flow and reducing pressure on the kidney, stent placement can help patients recover more comfortably while reducing the risk of complications⁶.

14. Most People Recover from Kidney Stone Treatment Within 2 - 3 Days of Hospitalisation

Recovery from kidney stone treatment is usually quick, with patients spending an average of 2 -3 days in the hospital, as per Digit. This suggests that many kidney stone cases can be effectively managed through medicines, minimally invasive procedures, or short-term medical observation.

Compared to many other conditions that require longer hospitalisation, kidney stone treatment is often associated with a faster recovery journey.

15. Senior Citizens Spend 3 – 4 Days in Hospital for Kidney Stone Treatment

Hospital recovery time for kidney stones varies across age groups. According to Digit, adults recorded an average hospital stay of 2 – 3 days, while senior citizens recorded an average stay of 3 - 4 days in hospital.

This suggests that older patients may require additional monitoring and recovery support.

16. Nearly 4 in 10 Kidney Stone Patients Experience Repeat Hospitalisations

Kidney stones are known to recur, and repeat hospitalisations are not uncommon. Recent patterns observed by Digit suggest that nearly 4 in every 10 patients required hospital care more than once, highlighting the recurring nature of the condition.

Kidney stone recurrence is often linked to factors such as inadequate hydration, dietary habits, obesity, metabolic disorders, and incomplete management of underlying risk factors. The finding underscores the importance of preventive measures, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up care to reduce the likelihood of future stone episodes².

17. Kidney Stone Treatment Costs Typically Exceed ₹55,000 - ₹57,000 Per Hospitalisation

Kidney stone treatment can involve diagnostic tests, specialist consultations, procedures, medications, and hospital stay, all of which contribute to the overall cost of care. Digit’s cost analysis suggested that the average treatment cost for kidney stone cases goes above ₹55,000 - ₹57,000 per hospitalisation.

18. Senior Citizens Incur 41% Higher Kidney Stone Treatment Costs Than Younger Adults

Kidney stone treatment tends to be more expensive for senior citizens (65 years older and above) than for any other age group. Digit's cost analysis reveals that patients aged 65 years and above recorded the highest average treatment cost, which was around 41% higher than younger adults.

Higher treatment costs among senior citizens may be driven by the need for additional diagnostic investigations, management of existing health conditions, closer medical monitoring, and greater risk of complications during treatment and recovery⁷.

19. Surgical Kidney Stone Treatment Costs Are Nearly 8 Times Higher Than Non-Surgical Care

The choice of treatment can have a significant impact on the overall cost of kidney stone management. As per Digit, the average cost of surgical kidney stone treatment is 8 times higher than non-surgical treatment, highlighting the financial difference between procedural and conservative care.

The higher cost of surgical care is expected, as it often involves hospitalisation, operation theatre charges, specialist consultations, anaesthesia, advanced equipment, investigations, and post-procedure monitoring.

20. Kidney Stone Treatment Costs are 36 - 37% Higher in Metro Cities Than Non-Metro Areas

The city where treatment is received can have a significant impact on healthcare expenses. According to Digit, the average cost of kidney stone treatment in metro (Tier 1) cities is 36 – 37% higher than non-metro areas (Tier 2).

This difference suggests that patients seeking treatment in metro cities may face higher medical expenses due to factors such as premium hospital infrastructure, specialist fees, advanced treatment facilities, and higher overall healthcare costs⁷.

21. High-Risk Kidney Stone Cases Can Push Treatment Costs Beyond ₹5 Lakh

Although most kidney stone cases are treated at considerably affordable costs, a few patients can require highly specialised and expensive care. At Digit, the highest kidney stone treatment cost recorded was above ₹5 lakh in Tier 1 city.

Such exceptionally high-cost cases may be linked to complex procedures, complications, intensive monitoring, multiple interventions, or co-existing medical conditions that significantly increase treatment expenses⁷.

22. Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Pune Emerges as the Most Expensive City for Kidney Stone Treatment

The cost of kidney stone treatment can vary significantly depending on where patients receive care. As per Digit’s data, Mumbai recorded the highest average treatment cost for treating kidney stone patients, followed by Bangalore, Chennai and Pune.

Higher treatment costs may be influenced by factors such as hospital pricing, treatment complexity, specialist care requirements, and the use of advanced medical procedures.

23. Around 8 - 10% of Kidney Stone Patients Use More Than Half of Their Insurance Coverage

While most kidney stone treatments are completed without substantially impacting insurance limits, nearly 8 - 10% of kidney stone patients utilised more than 50% of their available sum insured during treatment, as per Digit's claim data.

Costs may rise due to complications, multiple procedures, repeat hospitalisations, infection-related treatment, or care received at higher-cost hospitals. This is also a reminder of why adequate health insurance is important. It can help protect patients from unexpected financial strain and ensure access to quality treatment when complications arise.

24. Staying Well Hydrated is One of the Best Ways to Reduce Kidney Stone Risk

One of the most effective ways to prevent kidney stones is by drinking enough water every day. Proper hydration helps keep urine diluted, reducing the chances of minerals such as calcium and uric acid forming crystals that can develop into stones³.

In addition to staying hydrated, here are some other ways of how you can reduce kidney stone risk:

• Reduce excess salt intake, as high sodium levels can increase the amount of calcium in the urine.
• Maintain a healthy body weight, since obesity is associated with a higher risk of kidney stone formation.
• Limit excessive consumption of animal protein such as red meat, which can increase uric acid levels.
• Include an adequate amount of calcium in your diet, as very low calcium intake may actually increase the risk of certain stones.
• Limit foods high in oxalate if advised by your doctor, including spinach, beets, nuts, chocolate, and tea.
• Reduce sugary drinks and excessive soft drink consumption, particularly those containing high-fructose corn syrup.
• Manage medical conditions such as gout, diabetes, and metabolic disorders, which can increase stone risk.
• Treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) promptly, as recurrent infections can contribute to certain types of kidney stones.

Kidney stones are a common yet preventable health condition that can affect people across different age groups. While many cases can be treated successfully with medicines or minimally invasive procedures, some patients may experience severe pain, recurrent episodes, complications such as infections, or higher treatment costs that require timely medical attention.

Understanding the warning signs, risk factors, treatment options, and recovery journey can help individuals make informed health decisions and seek care before complications arise. Most importantly, kidney stone should not be ignored, especially when symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, difficulty passing urine, fever, or recurrent discomfort occur.