Kidney stones form when excess salt and other minerals combine to form hardened deposits.
Kidney stones can range in size from fine grains of sand to giant golf balls. They may remain within the kidneys or travel through the urinary tract.
Painful symptoms in the back, side, or pelvis area typically occur when kidney stones travel through the urinary tract and into the bladder.
Signs And Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Stationary kidney stones may cause little to no discomfort. But when stones move through the urinary tract, patients may experience sudden and severe pain. Pain may worsen if the stone becomes stuck in the ureters, which are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Patients with kidney stones may experience the following symptoms:
- Severe pain in the stomach, side, or lower back
- Painful urination accompanied by burning sensations
- Frequent urination or an urgent need to urinate
- Cloudy or odorous urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Fever and chills
Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are more common in men and overweight individuals. Kidney stones may also be genetic. Individuals with a family history of kidney stones are more likely to develop the condition.
A significant change in the natural balance of minerals, water, and other substances normally found in urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Poor hydration is the most common cause of kidney stones because a lack of water results in low urine flow, creating a perfect environment for stones to form.
Other factors that contribute to the formation of kidney stones include diabetes, gout, and other medical conditions.
Diagnosis And Treatment
To diagnose kidney stones, the physician will need to evaluate results of imaging studies such as a kidney ultrasound, CT scan, or plain radiograph. CT scans are preferred since they have the highest sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing kidney stones.
Once a patient has been diagnosed with kidney stones, the physician will consider several treatment options, including a trial of passage or surgical intervention. During a trial of passage, the patient attempts to pass the stone spontaneously, sometimes with the aid of medication. If the stone does not pass, the patient will need surgical intervention.
Patients with small stones may be treated with shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), which involves the use of shock waves to break down stones. Another treatment option is ureteroscopy. During this procedure, the physician inserts a flexible tube with a light and camera into the urethra and bladder to locate the stone. Then, a laser may be used to break the stone into smaller pieces and collect them with a tiny wire basket. Dust-sized particles are allowed to pass spontaneously.
Larger kidney stones may require a percutaneous approach. Urologists use percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) to treat larger stones.
An obstructed kidney may need a stent for temporary relief. Or a stent may be necessary to keep the ureter open after surgery. A stent is only a temporary solution and must be removed or exchanged after initial placement.