Kidney Stone Treatment in MexicoLaser technology, no open surgery.
Dr. Guillermo Cueto Vega treats kidney, ureter and bladder stones with holmium laser and minimally invasive techniques at Star Médica Mérida — with care in English.
A kidney stone can go from silent to the worst pain of your life in minutes. Some pass on their own with the right medication; others are too large, cause obstruction, or keep coming back.
Most stones today are treated without open surgery: a thin endoscope goes through the natural urinary tract and a holmium laser breaks the stone into fragments, with no skin incisions.
If you are visiting Mérida or live here and a stone flares up, contact us right away — a stone with fever is an emergency.
When to reach out
Sudden, severe pain in the lower back or side (renal colic) Pain that radiates to the groin or genitals Blood in the urine Nausea and vomiting with the pain Burning or frequent urination A stone found on an ultrasound or CT scan, even without symptoms Recurrent stones or recurrent urinary infections
Treatment options
Medical expulsive therapy
For small stones (usually under 5-6 mm): targeted hydration, pain control and medication that relaxes the ureter so the stone can pass, with close follow-up to confirm it passed without damage.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
Non-invasive: shock waves from outside the body break the stone into small particles that pass in the urine. Outpatient, with no incisions, for moderate kidney and ureteral stones in favorable locations.
Holmium laser ureteroscopy
A very thin endoscope reaches the stone through the natural urinary tract and a holmium laser fragments it precisely. No skin incisions; a temporary double-J stent is sometimes left in place.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
For large or complex (staghorn) kidney stones: a small incision in the back gives direct access to the kidney to fragment and remove the stone. Requires a short hospital stay.
Endoscopic bladder stone removal (cystolitholapaxy)
Bladder stones are fragmented endoscopically and, when appropriate, the underlying cause — often an enlarged prostate — is treated in the same procedure.
The right option depends on your case. Dr. Cueto recommends a treatment only after reviewing your history and studies.
Cost and planning your trip
Treatment takes place at Star Médica Mérida, a private high-specialty hospital certified by Mexico’s General Health Council (Consejo de Salubridad General) — at a significantly lower cost than in the US or Canada. Because every case is different, we do not publish a single price: you receive an itemized written quote before you book anything.
Your personalized plan includes:
Surgeon and team fees Hospital: operating room and stay Anesthesia and supplies Pre-operative evaluation and indicated studies Follow-up visits Recommended length of stay in Mérida
How long to stay? It depends on the procedure and on your case, so it is defined individually and included in your plan — you will know before you buy your flights.
Recovery and follow-up from home
Most stone procedures are outpatient or need a short hospital stay, depending on the technique and stone size. Mild discomfort and slightly pink urine are normal in the first days; if a stent was placed, temporary urgency is expected. How long to stay in Mérida — including stent removal — is planned with you before travel, and you receive written instructions plus WhatsApp follow-up.
Frequently asked questions
Is kidney stone pain an emergency?
Often, yes. Severe side or back pain that does not respond to regular painkillers — especially with vomiting, fever or blood in the urine — needs immediate evaluation. An obstructing stone with infection can damage the kidney.
Can I pass the stone without surgery?
In many cases, yes. Stones under about 5 mm often pass with hydration, pain control and sometimes medication. When the stone is larger, obstructing or infected, the safest option is usually to treat it.
Does laser ureteroscopy leave scars?
No visible scars: it is done through the natural urinary tract, with no skin incisions, under anesthesia. Mild discomfort when urinating for a few days afterwards is common.
Will the stones come back?
They can. Stones form from a mix of low water intake, diet, genetics, infections or obstruction. Part of the treatment is identifying your risk factors to reduce recurrence.
Send your case — get your personalized plan
Tell us about your case and share your studies if you have them. You will receive a personalized plan with the recommended treatment, how long to stay in Mérida, and an itemized written quote — before you book anything.
You will talk directly with Dr. Cueto, in English.