Kidney Stone Reduction &
Prevention Clinic
Kidney stones are one of the most common medical conditions. This painful disease affects more than 10% of the American population and is even higher in the southeastern United States. Not only can this lead to tremendous pain but can predispose individuals to infection and loss of kidney function. Unfortunately, kidney stones tend to recur – more than 50% of patients will develop another stone within a five-year period. Anyone who has experienced a kidney stone knows the importance of preventing a recurrence – and the Kidney Stone Reduction Clinic can provide a path towards stone-free living.
A Patient-Centered Clinic With Custom Treatments
It is important to note that people form kidney stones for a wide variety of reasons. While there are well-known examples of foods or drinks that may contribute to kidney stone formation – like sweet tea, salty foods, and meat – these may not be contributing to your specific reason for developing kidney stones. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the particular metabolic risk factors in each individual’s urine to prevent future stone formation.
How We Stop Stone Formation – Before It Starts
Each patient undergoes serum studies and evaluation of urine collected over 24 hours. This urine is then analyzed for a variety of metabolites. Once specific risk factors are identified, you will meet with a urologist to develop a custom-tailored plan to reduce your risk of developing additional stones and managing any current stones present. These plans focus on specific dietary modifications and potential medications that can improve urinary risk factors. The Kidney Stone Reduction Clinic work engages nephrologists and nutritionists as deemed necessary.
Who Should Enroll in the Kidney Stone Reduction Clinic?
Any individual who has experienced a kidney stone and:
- Is motivated to prevent a recurrence
- Has formed multiple stones
- Has a family history of stone disease
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Gout
- Malabsorptive intestinal disease
- Obesity
- Type II diabetes
- Travel for business
- Pilots
- And many others…
Our Approach Works
Corrections of urinary metabolic abnormalities have been shown in study after study to significantly reduce the rate of future stone formation. If you have experienced a kidney stone and would like to avoid repeating this painful and dangerous event, the Kidney Stone Reduction Clinic can help you accomplish this.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient office locations in the Atlanta metro area.
Wesley Ludwig, M.D. of Georgia Urology
Dr. Wesley Ludwig is a native of Roswell, Georgia and completed his urological training at the Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Ludwig has a specific interest in the treatment, management and prevention of kidney stones.
Dr. Ludwig has performed research in the area of urinary stone disease – ranging from metabolic abnormalities to novel technologies to aid in stone treatment. Dr. Ludwig looks forward to working with you to live a stone-free life.
Joseph Song, MD
Dr. Joseph Song is a Georgia native who attended Emory University on a full Robert W. Woodruff Scholarship before graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biology.
In addition to receiving numerous awards and recognitions, including the American Urologic Association’s 2013 Prize Abstract Award and the World Congress in Endourology’s 2015 Best Paper Award, he has published 18 articles and book chapters, as well as presented 12 abstracts and podiums.