Usually, kidney stones are not the kind of ailment associated with children.

Tennessee falls into what doctors describe as the “kidney stone belt” of the United States, and because of that, doctors are treating more and more children with kidney stones. In the February 2002 Journal of Urology, a Vanderbilt team of physicians published a study entitled, “Clinical Outcome of Pediatric Stone Disease” that provided conclusive evidence that children who develop kidney stones are less likely to pass them because of the stones’ sizes. Additionally, children were prone to developing stones because of metabolic disorders.

The study called for aggressive treatment, and Vanderbilt accepted the call. In March 2002, Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital opened the doors to its brand-new Pediatric Comprehensive Kidney Stone Clinic, the first in Tennessee and one of only a few in the nation. The Clinic is a joint project between the divisions of Pediatric Urology and Pediatric Nephrology, providing comprehensive services for children affected by kidney stones.

Services Provided/Your Visit
Once a patient is referred to our Clinic, doctors will meet with the patient, treat the stone if necessary, identify the cause of the kidney stones, and map out a long-term care plan. Because the clinic offers comprehensive care, metabolic work-ups and plans can be provided almost immediately, bringing relief to patients and their families.

Treatment varies from hydrating the patient to force out the stone to surgical removal of the stone.

Meet Our Team
Dr. John C. Pope, associate professor of Urology Surgery and co-author to the study spearheads the clinic along with Dr. Tray Hunley, assistant professor of Pediatrics.

Clinic Hours/Contact Information
The Comprehensive Kidney Stone Clinic sees patients once a month. The clinic meets on the 6th floor of Doctors' Office Tower. For more information,  call 615.322.7416.