Renal stone disease is a very common condition affecting all age groups. It is very important to be aware and careful about your kidney health and take appropriate measures to safeguard your kidneys.

Let’s look at possible causes of Renal stone disease

People consuming less of fluids, Especially in dry and hot climate is predominant cause
Family history or prior episodes of calculus
Certain conditions like PCKD and renal tubular acidosis
People with high uric acid levels, Gout
Certain congenital abnormalities of kidneys
High intake of calcium rich foods, coupled with poor hydration
Certain vitamin deficiencies.

Symptoms of stone disease

Most common presentation is

Pain abdomen-usually starting from back and radiating to anterior ,or to the testicles
Vomiting
Fever & chills
Blood in urine
Difficulty in passing urine in case of Bladder stones
Complete stoppage of urine in case of stones in both kidneys
Stones can also be present without any symptoms

How to diagnose Kidney stones

Ultra sound-Abdomen:

Most common and widely used method for initial diagnosis
CT Scan - The best investigation to diagnose and localise stone disease, It can pick all the stones including the one which are not seen in X-Rays also
X-Ray KUB - To diagnose stones that are Radiopaque(X-Ray visible)

There are other Ancillary investigations like CUE (Complete Urine Examination), Serum creatinine to aid in diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment options

Not all stones in kidney are to be worried about .Stones actually causing symptoms and renal damage or having potential for renal damage, only need treatment
Usually stones less than 4 mm are likely to pass off spontaneously, exceptionally some small stones that do not pass may need treatment
Large stones definitely need treatment :

PCNL-For kidney or PUJ stones larger than 2cms
ESWL-- For Renal or upper ureteric stones which are less than 2cms and radio opeque
RIRS-Laser stone treatment
URSL-Laser and conventional for various levels of ureteric stones
Rarely for large stones with congenital abnormalities conditions, Open surgery may be needed
Laparoscopic stone surgery in some cases

It is very important to consult a urologist at the best urology hospital in Hyderabad and take proper advice and treatment for your stone disease without neglect. Kidney once damaged cannot be salvaged. Y