The most common type of surgical intervention for kidney stones is the Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
The most common type of surgical intervention for kidney stones is the Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Kidney stones can be formed in any of this structures - in the kidney, ureters or bladder
Kidney stones can be formed in any of this structures - in the kidney, ureters or bladder
The size of a stone can be as small as grains
of sand to as large as golf balls
The most common cause of kidney stones is believed
to be not drinking sufficient water
CT of abdomen without contrast showing the right
proximal ureteric stone (marked by the arrow)
A simple change in lifestyle is the best way
to prevent kidney stones
By Radha Maniam (Tutor, School
of Nursing)
A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral formed
within the kidney or urinary tract, sometimes referred to
as calculus. A number of studies have shown that one in
every 20 people will develop a kidney stone at some point
in their life, with men being more susceptible to it than
women. The prevalence of kidney stones usually begins
between the ages of 20 and 40.
The urinary tract consists of two kidneys which is located
below the ribs towards the middle of the back. The kidneys
which remove excess water and waste from the blood and convert
it to urine, also stablizes the balance of salts and other
substance in the blood. Narrow tubes called ureters carry
urine from the kidneys to the bladder. A urinary bladder
is a hollow organ located in the lower abdomen. The elastic
bladder walls stretch and expand when filled with urine
and flatten when urine is drained out from the bladder through
the urethra to the outside of the body. The stones can be
formed in any of this structures - in the kidney, ureters
or bladder. The size of a stone can be as small as grains
of sand to as large as golf balls.
The most common cause of kidney stones is believed to be
not drinking sufficient water. Stones form when there is
a decrease in urine volume and an increase in the stone-forming
substances in the urine. The most common type of kidney
stone contains calcium combined with either oxalate or phosphate.
Other types of chemical that form stones include uric acid
which are substances usually found in the food we consume.
Some people are also prone to get stones due to infection
in the urinary tract, known as struvite or infection stones.
Kidney stones can also result from obstruction to urine
flow. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent
the stones from forming. However, deficiency in this substance
in some people may lead to stone formation. A strong family
history of kidney stone is also known to be a risk factor.
If the stone remains tiny enough, they will travel through
the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine
without being noticed. Otherwise, a person will experience
extreme pain as the stone travels through the ureter to
the bladder. The pain begins suddenly with the person
feeling a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side of the
kidney area or in the lower abdomen which later spreads
to the groin. The person will also feel the need to urinate
more often or experience a burning sensation during urination.
Blood may also appear in the urine. When fever and chills
accompany any of these symptoms, it indicates the presence
of infection too. In this case, it is important to see a
doctor immediately.
Kidney stones can be diagnosed by X-rays of the urinary
tract. Blood test and a-24 hour urine test will help determine
the type of stones. Drinking plenty of water will also help
pass small stones through the urinary system. Usually, pain
medication is prescribed to control the pain. However, surgical
intervention is needed to treat larger stones or for stones
that do not pass after a reasonable period of time and is
causing constant pain. The most common type of surgical
intervention is Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).
This is a procedure where shock waves created outside the
body travel through the skin to break the stones into small
sand-like particles to pass through the urine. In some cases,
a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used
to remove stones. In this procedure, the surgeon locates
and removes the stones by introducing an instrument called
a nephroscope, directly into the kidney.
A simple change in lifestyle is the best way to prevent
kidney stones. Most importantly, drinking more water and
adjusting daily diet accordingly, is the best option to
avoid the formation of stones.
