What is a kidney stone?

Your kidneys main function is to remove excess water and waste products from your blood and make urine. A kidney stone forms when certain minerals separate out from the urine and form crystals in your kidney that gradually gets larger in size with passage of time.

Why do they form?

General causes include low fluid consumption, dehydration, high oxalate diets (nuts, chocolates, coffee), high salt or animal protein intake, obesity, or certain medical conditions. They are mostly made up of calcium oxalates. Stones are notorious to recur; almost 50% of patients develop stones again in the next 10 years.

What are the symptoms?

Severe sharp pain in the sides and back, radiating to the lower abdomen or groin (renal colic); burning sensation; blood in urine; foul smelling or cloudy urine; or frequent urination. Severe cases may involve fever, chills, or vomiting.

What tests are necessary?

Blood tests (CBC, KFT, serum calcium, etc.), urine routine/culture, and radiological tests like ultrasound or Plain CT scan (NCCT KUB) to locate the stone.

What are the treatment options?

• ESWL: Non-invasive treatment using external shock waves to break stones <1.5 cm. Not suitable for patients on blood thinners or during pregnancy.
• URS (Ureteroscopy): Minimally invasive endoscopic technique to remove or fragment stones in the ureters.
• P.C.N.L: Keyhole surgery (0.5-1 cm cut) to remove stones >2 cm from the kidney.
• RIRS: Flexible ureteroscopy used for stones <1.5 cm or those not visible on X-ray. Often a two-staged procedure involving a stent.
• CPE+CLT / PCCLT: Minimally invasive options for bladder stones.
• Double J Stent: Soft tubes placed to decompress the system and help drainage. They are removed endoscopically after 10-14 days.

General prevention involves drinking lots of oral fluids, especially water. Stone fragments are sent for analysis to suggest dietary modifications to prevent recurrence.