Urinary stones, or calculi, are hardened deposits of minerals and salts that can form in any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. These stones can develop in one organ and move to another, with their size and number varying among patients.
Causes of Urinary Stones
The kidneys filter toxins and waste products from the blood, producing urine, which then passes through the ureters to the bladder, where it is stored until urination. Stones form when urine becomes concentrated with salts and substances like calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus.
Common Locations of Urinary Stones
Urinary stones can develop anywhere in the urinary tract, but they most often occur in the kidneys and bladder. Depending on where they are located, they can be classified as:
- Kidney stones
- Bladder stones
- Ureteral stones
Types of Urinary Stones
Urinary stones come in different types based on their composition. Common types include:
- Calcium stones
- Uric acid stones
- Struvite stones
Symptoms of Urinary Stones
Symptoms of urinary stones depend on factors such as their size, location, and type, as well as the individual’s overall health and hydration levels. Small stones may pass unnoticed, but larger stones can cause significant discomfort.
Kidney Stone Symptoms:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side or back
- Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that fluctuates in intensity
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Cloudy, foul-smelling, or discolored urine
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills (if infection is present)
Bladder Stone Symptoms:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Blood in the urine
Diagnosis of Urinary Stones
Your urologist will begin by reviewing your medical history and symptoms, followed by tests such as:
- Physical examination
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- X-ray of the abdomen
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
Treatment for Urinary Stones
Treatment options vary based on the size and type of stone, as well as the patient’s overall health. Common treatments include:
- Watchful Waiting: For stones smaller than 4 mm, your doctor may recommend increasing fluid intake to help flush the stone out naturally.
- Medication: Pain relief and medications to aid in passing the stone are prescribed, along with dietary and fluid intake guidance to prevent future stones.
- Surgical Procedures: When necessary, minimally invasive surgeries are performed to remove stones. These include:
- Laser Lithotripsy: High-frequency laser waves break large stones into smaller fragments, which are then passed naturally through urine. This painless, stitch-free procedure offers benefits like rapid recovery and reduced risk of complications.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For larger stones, a small incision is made to remove the stone. This advanced surgery is minimally invasive and effective.
- Ureteroscopy: This procedure uses a ureteroscope (a thin, flexible tube) to visualize the bladder and remove small to medium stones.
Why Choose Yupiter Hospital for Urinary Stone Treatment?
- Laser Stone Removal: A painless, scarless procedure with no cuts or stitches.
- Immediate Pain Relief: Experience relief from symptoms right away.
- Permanent Solution: No recurrence of stones.
At Yupiter Hospital’s Department of Urology, we use the latest traditional and advanced techniques to ensure a full and fast recovery. Our expert team provides state-of-the-art, laser-assisted treatments that guarantee maximum comfort, fewer complications, and effective, long-term results. We are committed to offering compassionate, comprehensive care for all our patients.
