Stones in the kidneys – Počečnaâ how – Lithonephria

Kidney Stones—Adult (Renal Colic; Renal Lithiasis; Nephrolithiasis; Renal Calculi)

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are solid or crystal-formation within the kidney or in other parts of the urinary tract. The kidneys excrete toxins, maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the blood by filtering salt and water.

There are several types of stones, produced in the kidney:

• Oxalate kalytsiya;
• Calcium phosphate;
• Struvyt;
• Uric acid crystals;
• Cystine.

Causes of kidney stones

The cause of kidney stones depends their type. Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones.

• Calcium oxalate or phosphorus – These kidney stones are formed, when the concentration of calcium or other minerals in the urine becomes too high;
• Struvyt – These stones can result from a urinary tract infection. The stones are composed of ammonium, magnesium, and phosphate salts;
• Uric acid stones – These stones are formed, when urine has high acidity. They can also occur in people with gout, or have undergone chemotherapy;
• Cystine stones- appear due to a rare genetic disorder, which causes accumulation of an excess amount of kidney cystine (one of the amino acids, that make up proteins).

Risk factors for kidney stones

Key factors, which increase the risk of kidney stones:

• Grown men to 50 years;
• Having last kidney stones;
• A family history of kidney stones.

Other factors, which increase the risk of kidney stones, include:

Calcium oxalate stones and phosphorus:

• Excess intake of sodium oxalate. Oxalate is found in green leafy vegetables, chocolate, nuts and tea;
• Low fluid intake, especially in warm weather,, which can lead to dehydration;
• Overactive parathyroid glands;
• Chronic intestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis;
• Taking certain diuretics;
• Antacids calcium-based.

Struvitovye stones:

• Urinary Tract Infections;
  • More common in women.

Uric acid stones:

• High consumption of red meat or poultry;
• Gout.

A rare genetic disorder increases the risk of cystine stones.

The symptoms of kidney stones

For many people, kidney stones do not cause symptoms and go during urination. Other people have symptoms of kidney stones may include::

• Acute, stabbing pain in the middle of the back, which can occur every few minutes and lasts 20 minutes to one hour;
• Pain in the lower abdomen, groin, or genital area;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Blood in the urine;
• Frequent urination;
• Burning pain while urinating;
• Fever.

Diagnosis of kidney stones

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical examination. He may recommend further testing, to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other diseases. Tests may include:

• Tests to gather information on the state of urine:
  • Analysis of urine;
  • 24-hour urine test;
  • Urine culture;
• Blood tests;
• Makes detailed pictures of the kidneys and urinary system:
  • Roentgen;
  • Spiral computed tomography;
  • Ultrasound;
  • Intravenous pyelogram.

Stones in the kidneys – treatment

Treatment depends on the size and location of kidney stones. Methods of treatment include kidney stones:

Water from kidney stones

If you have a small kidney stones as the consumption of at least two to three liters of water a day helps the body to bring the stones while urinating. The doctor can give a special glass, to catch the stone, when it comes out, to send it for analysis.

Medicines for kidney stones

Your doctor may recommend taking painkillers. There may also be prescribed medication, which will help bring the stones from the kidney during urination.

Stones in the kidneys – operation

Surgery may be needed, if:

• Stones are very large and are increasing;
• Stones cause bleeding or kidney damage;
• Stones cause infection;
• Kidney stones block the flow of urine;
• The stones do not come naturally.

Ureteroscopy

Ureteroscopy uses a special device with a small camera on the end, to find stones, located in the ureter or kidney. If the stone is found, it is removed with a special tool. Large stones can be broken into small pieces with a laser.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (CHNL)

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is used for the treatment of large stones, which are located in the kidneys. The procedure is performed in several stages:

• Running a small incision in the lower part of the back and then in the kidney;
• Nephroscope passed through this incision so, so you can see the stones in the kidney. The stones are broken into smaller pieces and removed;
• In the place of the cut set temporary drainage tube.

Lithotomy

Lithotomy – open surgery to remove kidney stones. The procedure is done very rarely in connection with the ability to perform less invasive surgeries.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (EUVL)

To perform ESWL (fragmentation of kidney stones with ultrasound) device is used, called a lithotripter, which is applied to the skin and sends shock waves into the body. Impact shock waves break a large stone, and they can come out with urine during urination.

If you are diagnosed with kidney stones, Follow your doctor's instructions.

Prevention of kidney stones

After the appearance of kidney stones rises dramatically the likelihood of other stones. Some steps, to help prevent this disease:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water;
• Consult your doctor about the food consumed. Depending on the type of stone, who do you have, you have to avoid certain foods or drinks;
• Depending on, What is your stone, It may be prescribed some medication, to prevent the formation of new stones.