Kidney Stone Treatment

Kidney stones are hard particles made of minerals and salts. More common in men than women. Common in tropical countries.

Decreased fluid intake cause urine to be concentrated and minerals and salts in the urine forms kidney stones.

Other causes are.

• High protein diet
• Low fiber diet
• Inherited diseases
• Abnormality in the urinary tract
• Obesity
• Certain medical conditions

Common presentation is

• Pain
• Blood in the urine -hematuria
• Urine infection
• Asymptomatic- imaging for other conditions

Diagnosis of kidney stones

• History and examination
• Urine test
• USG/CT/IVP
• X ray KUB

Treatment of renal stone

Kidney stones needs to be treated as they can cause pain, infection and damage to the kidneys.

Small stones less than 4 mm are flushed in the urine. Treatment is indicated for stones which are larger than 6mm, symptomatic, infection and renal dysfunction

Open surgery-Rarely for large stone etc

Endoscopic surgery

• Rigid Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
• Flexible Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
• Laparoscopic ureterolithotomy
• ESWL (Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy)

Laser energy is commonly used as a energy to break the stone, occasional pneumatic lithoclast is used.

Kidney stones are known to recur. Recurrence rate of 20% in 2 years and 50 life time risk. Recurrent stone former and children needs metabolic evaluation for recurrence stone formation.

Prevention of kidney stones

Diets to avoid to prevent Kidney Stones

• Limit your salt intake
• Limit your animal protein
• Avoid cola drinks
• Avoid drinks with artificial sugar
• Avoid foods rich in oxalates like
• Chocolate
• Nuts
• Spinach
• Tea
• Beets
• Sweet potato

Foods to take to prevent Kidney Stones

• Adequate water,
• At least 12 glasses of water per day
• Avoid dehydration
• Take plenty of citrus fruits like orange
• Take adequate calcium in diet
• Take more vegetables
• Maintain weight
• Exercise regularly