Kidney Stone Information:

Kidney stones are painful urinary disorders that start as salt/chemical crystals which precipitate out from urine.  Under normal circumstances, the urine contains substances that prevent crystallization but for patients with this condition, the inhibitory substances are ineffective.  In addition, with moderate to severe dehydration these tiny crystals may stick together and form larger kidney stones.  The larger the stone, the more pain associated with passing the kidney stone.  At least 1% of people will pass a kidney stone during their lifetime, producing some of the most severe pain possible.

The reasons why some people develop kidney stones is not fully understood.  Poor water consumption as well as familial disposition are certainly strong risk factors.  High levels of urinary minerals such as calcium, phosphate, uric acid or oxalate may predispose patients to more crystallization and subsequent stone formation. Metabolic conditions such as hyperparathyroidism and inherited diseases such as cystinuria are common causes of stone formation.

Common treatments for eliminating kidney stones include increased water consumption along with a normal activity level, possible use of pain-killers as prescribed by the doctor, and use of medications that will help breakdown kidney stones before they start passing down the urinary system.  Surgical treatments include the use of Shockwave Lithotripsy to break the stone or endoscopic treatments with ureteroscopy and Holmium Laser to remove the stone.  Percutaneous surgery through the patient’s back or open surgery to remove kidney stones is reserved for very large stones that are highly unlikely to pass on their own.

Some of the signs and symptoms of kidney stones are severe back and flank pain that may come and go on a daily basis, unexplained fever or night sweats, blood in urine as well as painful and frequent urination.  Some patients get quite nauseated and may start vomiting.  Any combination of these signs and symptoms should cause the patient or their loved ones to call their doctor.

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