Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Kidney stone disease is a big problem for about ten percent of people at some point. What is the largest kidney stone passed naturally? Discover the size of the biggest stones passed without surgical intervention.
We’re looking into this issue and a famous case caught our eye. It’s the world’s biggest kidney stone, measuring 13.37 centimeters and weighing 800 grams.
It’s important to know how kidney stones form and how to treat them. Most kidney stones go away on their own. But really big ones need surgery.
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are a common condition. They can cause severe pain and discomfort. We will explore what kidney stones are and the factors that contribute to their formation.
Kidney stones are hard objects that form when urine becomes concentrated. This allows minerals to crystallize and stick together. These stones can vary in size and composition.
Their formation is often associated with dehydration, dietary factors, and genetic predisposition.
About 10% of people in the United States have a kidney stone at some point in their life. This shows a significant prevalence of this condition. The risk factors for developing kidney stones include a family history of stones, dehydration, certain diets, and medical conditions like obesity and digestive diseases.
Understanding these risk factors is key for prevention and management. We will look into how these factors contribute to kidney stone formation. We will also discuss what can be done to reduce these risks.
Kidney stones form when urine becomes too concentrated. This lets minerals crystallize and stick together. Factors like dehydration, diet, and genetics play a role in this process.
Kidney stone formation is a complex process. It starts when urine is supersaturated with substances like calcium oxalate, uric acid, or cystine. These substances then form crystals in the urine.
These crystals can grow into stones over time. Stones can be small or large, causing blockages.
Kidney stones have different compositions. The most common is the calcium oxalate stone, linked to high oxalate levels. Other types include uric acid stones and cystine stones, related to gout or genetic disorders.
Knowing a stone’s composition helps in choosing the right treatment. For calcium oxalate stones, cutting down on oxalate-rich foods is advised.
Healthcare providers can give specific advice based on the stone type. This includes dietary changes and hydration tips to prevent future stones.
Knowing the size of kidney stones is key to figuring out the right treatment. These stones come in all sizes, and their size affects if they can pass on their own or if they need medical help.
Kidney stones are grouped by size. Stones under 5 mm are small and often pass on their own. But bigger stones might need medical care.
Here are the common size categories for kidney stones:
The chance of a kidney stone passing on its own depends on its size. Stones smaller than 5 mm usually pass without help. But as they get bigger, the chance of passing naturally goes down.
To illustrate this, consider the following:
It’s important to see a healthcare professional for the right treatment, no matter the stone’s size.
There have been amazing cases where people passed huge kidney stones without surgery. These stories amaze doctors and teach us about our bodies’ strength.
The biggest kidney stone ever recorded was 13.37 cm long and weighed 800 grams. But, there are stories of people passing stones that are almost as big. For example, a man in India passed a stone that was nearly 8 cm long.
These stories amaze and make doctors curious. Passing a big kidney stone naturally is very painful. Doctors study these cases to learn how it’s possible.
It’s important to document and verify big kidney stones passed naturally. Doctors use X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to check the stone’s size and type.
For record-breaking stones, doctors measure and analyze the stone’s chemical makeup. This helps them understand why some people get big stones and how they pass them.
Studying these cases helps doctors find new ways to treat and prevent kidney stones. This improves care and results for patients.
The largest kidney stone ever recorded weighed 800 grams and was 13.37 cm long. This case shows how big kidney stones can be and the challenges they bring to medical care.
This kidney stone is a giant in medical history. It’s much bigger than the average kidney stone, which is just a few millimeters. Because of its size, it couldn’t pass on its own and needed medical help.
Doctors say big stones like this come from a mix of genetics, diet, and health issues. They are usually made of calcium oxalate or other minerals.
“The largest kidney stone ever recorded is a significant medical anomaly that highlights the need to understand kidney stone disease.” – Dr. [Last Name], Nephrologist
Before this record, there were other big cases. Here’s a table comparing some of the largest kidney stones:
| Year Recorded | Size (cm) | Weight (grams) |
| 2010 | 10.2 | 450 |
| 2005 | 9.5 | 380 |
| 2020 | 13.37 | 800 |
This table shows how unique the 13.37 cm stone is. Learning from these cases helps us understand and treat kidney stones better.
Donald Winfield’s name is famous in medical history for passing an amazing 5,704 kidney stones. His story has given us a lot of insight into kidney stone disease.
Donald Winfield’s journey started many years ago and lasted for decades. He passed 5,704 kidney stones, facing a lot of pain and discomfort along the way.
His condition came from both his genes and his environment. Despite this, he stayed strong and worked with his doctors to manage his disease.
Winfield’s ability to pass so many stones shows his incredible resilience. Each stone was a challenge, helping us understand kidney stone disease better.
The medical world is intrigued by Winfield’s case. It’s rare and offers deep insights into how kidney stones form and pass. Studies on his condition have revealed important factors.
| Aspect | Details |
| Total Kidney Stones Passed | 5,704 |
| Duration of Condition | Several Decades |
| Key Factors | Genetic Predisposition, Environmental Factors |
Winfield’s story is well-documented in medical literature. It helps doctors understand and treat similar cases. It shows the need for a detailed treatment plan and patient cooperation in managing kidney stone disease.
Celebrities, like William Shatner, face the same pain as everyone else with kidney stones. This condition is tough for anyone, no matter their fame. We’ll look at famous people’s kidney stone stories and how it affects their lives.
William Shatner, known for Star Trek, has talked openly about his health, including kidney stones. He didn’t just pass a stone; he auctioned it off for charity. This act drew a lot of attention and showed Shatner’s dedication to helping others.
Shatner’s decision to auction his kidney stone was both curious and admired. It showed that kidney stones are more than just a health issue. They can become a part of one’s story. By sharing and auctioning his stone, Shatner added a unique view to the kidney stone conversation.
William Shatner isn’t the only famous person with kidney stones. Others, like Howard Stern and Ben Fogle, have also shared their struggles. Stern described the severe pain, while Fogle talked about the condition’s unpredictability.
These stories remind us that kidney stones can hit anyone, no matter their fame. By sharing, these celebrities help spread the word about kidney stone disease. They highlight the need to know the symptoms and seek medical help when needed.
For those with big kidney stones, medical help is a good option when they can’t pass on their own. Small stones might go away on their own, but bigger ones need more serious treatments. This helps ease pain and avoid serious problems.
It’s important to know when a stone is too big to pass naturally. Stones over 5-6 mm might need help, and those over 10 mm definitely do. The stone’s size, where it is, and the person’s health also play a part.
We look at a few things to decide if you need medical help. These include:
Thanks to new tech, there are many ways to treat big kidney stones. These include:
Knowing about these medical options helps patients make better choices. This way, they can handle big kidney stones more effectively.
Passing a large kidney stone is very painful. It’s often compared to severe physical suffering. The pain is so intense that it’s likened to childbirth or being stabbed.
The pain from passing a kidney stone is high on the pain scale. It’s like being stabbed with a knife. This pain comes from the stone moving through the urinary tract, causing blockage and irritation.
Here’s a comparison to help you understand the pain scale:
| Pain Level | Description | Comparison |
| 1-3 | Mild discomfort | Mild headache |
| 4-6 | Moderate pain | Toothache |
| 7-10 | Severe pain | Childbirth or severe injury |
People who have passed large kidney stones say it’s extremely painful. Donald Winfield, who passed 5,704 kidney stones, found it agonizing and life-changing.
These stories show how severe the pain is. They also stress the need to see a doctor if the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse.
Knowing about the pain of passing large kidney stones helps people cope better. It also encourages them to get medical help when needed.
To prevent kidney stones, we need to make smart food choices and drink plenty of water. Knowing what causes stones helps us avoid them.
What we eat matters a lot in preventing kidney stones. Some foods raise the risk, while others lower it. Reducing sodium intake is key because too much sodium can lead to stones.
Drinking enough water is a top way to stop kidney stones. Water dilutes urine substances that can cause stones. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day.
By following these steps, you can greatly lower your chance of getting kidney stones.
Understanding kidney stone disease is key for those dealing with it. We’ve looked into the biggest kidney stone passed without surgery. We’ve also explored how kidney stones form and the dangers they pose.
We’ve covered the many sides of kidney stone disease. This includes how common it is, the factors that increase your risk, and the treatments for big stones. It’s clear that knowing about it and taking steps to prevent it are vital.
By learning about kidney stone disease and how to prevent it, you can lower your risk. We urge readers to take care of their kidneys and seek help if they have symptoms.
The biggest kidney stone ever recorded weighed 800 grams. It measured 13.37 cm.
Kidney stones are quite common. They affect many people worldwide. Some areas have more cases due to diet and genetics.
Risk factors include not drinking enough water, eating too much animal protein, sodium, and sugar. Family history, obesity, and certain medical conditions also play a role.
Yes, but it’s less likely. Big stones often need medical help to avoid serious problems.
Passing a big stone is very painful. It’s often as bad as childbirth or severe injuries.
To prevent stones, drink plenty of water. Eat less sodium and more foods with citrate. Also, manage any health conditions you have.
For small stones, you might just wait. But for big ones, you might need surgery. This could be lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Yes, Donald Winfield passed over 5,704 stones. His case shows how different kidney stone disease can be.
Yes, celebrities like William Shatner have talked about their kidney stone experiences. They help raise awareness.
Stones can be made of calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine. Each type has its own cause.