Renal lithiasis refers to the presence of stones (calculi) in the kidney. It is estimated to affect around 5–6% of the population. If not properly treated, it can lead to various types of kidney dysfunction.

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Causes

Kidney stones form due to a high concentration in the urine of certain substances such as phosphates, purines, and especially calcium.

This concentration may be due to excessive intake of these substances, poor metabolism, or decreased fluid intake, which leads to more concentrated urine.

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Symptoms

When stones are small, they may pass without causing symptoms. In many cases, stones are expelled spontaneously, but they can block the flow of urine, causing renal colic.

Both symptoms and complications depend largely on the size and characteristics of the stones.

  • Hematuria: When a stone passes through the urinary tract, it may cause injury and bleeding, which becomes visible in the urine.
  • Urinary tract infections: These may be a symptom of kidney stones but can also contribute to their formation.
  • Renal colic: Typically very painful, it begins in the lower back (lumbar region) and may radiate to the back, abdomen, and genital area.

It may be accompanied by fever, sweating, vomiting, and other symptoms.

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Treatment

Fortunately, in most cases stones are expelled naturally. However, some may become trapped due to their size, shape, or location. In such cases, the following treatments may be used:

  • Potassium citrate: Effective in dissolving only uric acid stones.
  • Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): Shock waves are used to break large stones into smaller fragments that can pass through the urinary tract. Stones are located using ultrasound or X-rays to guide the shock waves. The procedure is performed under anesthesia or sedation, lasts less than an hour, and may require placement of a stent to facilitate stone fragment elimination. Drinking plenty of water afterward is recommended.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A nephroscope is inserted through the skin into the kidney. Guided by imaging, the stone is broken up and the fragments are removed.
  • Ureteroscopy: An endoscopic procedure performed through the urinary tract to remove or fragment stones.
Specialties:
  • Urology