Kidney Stones Assessment and Treatment in Singapore
Why Patients Choose Dr Azhari for Kidney Stone Treatment
Former Director of Endourology at SGH
Dr Azhari served as Director of Endourology at Singapore General Hospital from 2016 to 2023 — overseeing the urinary stone service at one of Singapore’s largest public hospitals.
20 Years of Specialist Experience
With two decades of experience treating kidney, bladder, prostate, and male reproductive conditions, patients can be confident they are being seen by a specialist with the breadth of experience to handle complex cases.
Medisave and Insurance Claimable
Many urology procedures can be offset with Medisave or covered by insurance. The clinic provides clear guidance on claims so patients understand their options before treatment begins.
Discreet and Comfortable Environment
Sensitive issues are addressed in a private, respectful, and judgment-free setting — so patients feel at ease discussing symptoms they may have been reluctant to raise with anyone else
Are These Symptoms Familiar?
Kidney stone symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the stone. See a urologist if you are experiencing:
- Sudden, severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen that comes and goes in waves
- Pain or burning when passing urine
- Blood in the urine — pink, red, or brown in colour
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate, even when little comes out
- Nausea or vomiting alongside flank pain
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
Early assessment is recommended. Kidney stones can affect kidney function if left unaddressed.
Same-day appointments available. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
Dr. Nor Azhari Bin Mohd Zam
With more than 15 years experience as a certified Urologist, Dr Nor Azhari specializes in treating a wide range of kidney, bladder and prostate conditions as well as disorders of the male reproductive organs.
He offers minimally invasive treatment options and provides same-day appointments for convenience.
- Skilled urologist and kidney stone surgeon.
- Director of Endourology (Urinary stone service) at Singapore General Hospital – 2016 to 2023.
- Recognized with the College of Surgeons Gold Medal and Singapore Urological Association Book prize.
- Minimally invasive treatment options available (non-invasive and endoscopic/key-hole techniques).
Understand Your Options
Early assessment means more treatment choices and greater clarity on your condition. Our team will confirm your appointment within 24 hours. All enquiries are strictly confidential.
What Happens at Your First Visit
Step 1 — Symptom and Medical History Review
Dr Azhari will listen to your symptoms and review your full medical history, including any previous kidney stone episodes.
Step 2 — Physical Examination
A focused examination to assess areas of discomfort and your overall condition.
Step 3 — Diagnostic Imaging
An ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan may be arranged to confirm the size, number, and location of any stones present.
Step 4 — Treatment Discussion
Dr Azhari will explain what the findings mean and walk you through your options — starting with the least invasive approach where clinically appropriate.
Step 5 — Your Prevention and Follow-Up Plan
You leave with a clear, personalised plan covering follow-up imaging and lifestyle advice aimed at reducing the risk of stones coming back.
Your Treatment Options for Kidney Stones
Every kidney stone case is different. Treatment options will be discussed based on your individual assessment.
ESWL — Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy
A non-invasive procedure that uses shockwaves to break kidney stones into smaller fragments that can pass naturally through urine. No surgical cuts are required. Performed as a day procedure.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
A thin scope is passed through the urinary tract to locate and remove the stone directly. No external incisions are required.
RIRS — Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery
A flexible scope is guided into the kidney to treat stones that are difficult to reach through other approaches.
PCNL — Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
A keyhole surgical approach is used for larger or more complex stones that are not suitable for shockwave therapy or scope-based procedures.
Laparoscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive keyhole surgery reserved for complex cases that require a surgical approach.
Medication and Prevention
For patients whose kidney stones are linked to metabolic or dietary factors, medication and targeted lifestyle modifications form an important part of ongoing management.
Find Out Your Options With a Specialist
All treatment recommendations are based on individual clinical assessment. Results may vary depending on each patient’s condition.
Corporate & Personal Insurance Plans
Many kidney stone procedures are Medisave-claimable and covered under corporate and personal insurance plans. Our clinic team will explain your coverage options clearly before any treatment begins, with transparent pricing at every step.
Corporate Insurance
Personal Insurance
Available to Singaporeans, Singapore Permanent Residents, and Foreigners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to book a consultation?
No referral is required. You may contact the clinic directly to arrange an appointment. If your insurance provider requires a referral for claims processing, our team will advise you on the relevant steps.
How is a kidney stone diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of symptom review, physical examination, urine tests, and imaging such as an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan. Imaging is important to confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.
Can a kidney stone pass on its own without treatment?
Small stones sometimes pass naturally through urination. However, larger stones, stones causing a blockage, or stones associated with infection generally require medical or procedural intervention. An assessment will determine whether active treatment is necessary.
What if ESWL is not suitable for me?
Suitability for ESWL depends on factors such as stone size, location, and composition. If ESWL is not appropriate for your case, other minimally invasive options such as ureteroscopy, RIRS, or PCNL will be considered.
Can kidney stones come back after treatment?
Yes. Kidney stones have a significant recurrence rate, particularly if underlying dietary or metabolic factors are not addressed. As part of your care plan, Dr Azhari will discuss preventive strategies tailored to your specific stone type and risk factors.
Is kidney stone treatment covered by Medisave or insurance?
Many procedures are Medisave-claimable and covered under major insurance plans. Coverage depends on your specific plan and procedure. Our team will clarify this before treatment begins.
Is my consultation confidential?
Yes. All consultations and patient information are kept strictly confidential and are not shared without your consent.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring any previous scan results or medical reports related to your condition, a list of current medications, and your insurance card or Medisave details if you intend to make a claim.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing kidney stone symptoms or have been told you have kidney stones, an assessment will give you a clear diagnosis, your treatment options, and a plan to prevent recurrence.
For urgent or same-day appointment requests, please call our clinic directly. All enquiries are confidential.
Make an Enquiry
For urgent or same day appointment requests, please call our hotline.
Our Clinic Locations
Asian Healthcare Specialists (Novena)
Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road
#08-41 Singapore 329563
Asian Healthcare Specialists (Alvernia)
Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road Medical Centre Block A #05-03 Singapore 574623