I have had recurrent kidney stones for 3 years with having acute episodes maybe 1 to 2 times a year.  However, last year went to urology and it was suggested to have them surgically removed and I declined at that time.  In the past 3 weeks I have had 3 acute episodes with gross hematuria x 4 days and then mild hematuria for the past week.  They are staghorn calculi.  I cannot seem to keep in under control and had to call off work.  The pain is so bad that I vomit from it and my right hand has been swelling in the mornings for the past week since the last acute episode.  Today I am again in pain but on my left side, should I think about having them surgically removed and what else can I do at this time.  I will call urology today but it is hard to get time off work and I really dont want to go invasive if I dont have to.
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor. As a Urologist, i can understand your anxiety. Your question carries the answer also, as to why staghorn stones need removal. It's to prevent its complications. Your symptoms are due to it. It can damage the kidney and decrease its function. Now you can clear the stone with non-invasive surgery. Its called PCNL with or without ESL.  Chat Doctor.  Wish you well.