Kidney Stones

WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES?

• They are pieces of solid material that form when normally dissolved substances in the urine become highly concentrated.

• Made from calcium, oxalate, and phosphate.

• May be just a few millimeters in diameter or as large as a small rock.

Types of Kidney Stones

Cystine Stones

Calcium Stones

Uric Acid Stones

Struvite Stones

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Changes in the acid-base balance (pH) of the urine

Concentration of the urine

Concentration of minerals and chemicals within the urine

Symptoms Cramping pain in their low back and/or

side, groin, or abdomen. Nausea Vomiting Blood in the urine If infection is present in the urinary tract

along with the stones, there may be fever and chills.

Difficulty urinating, Urinary urgency Penile pain Testicular pain Some kidney stones may not produce

symptoms (known as "silent" stones)

How are Kidney Stones Treated?Medication Narcotic medications (for pain relief) Antibiotics (for infections) Allopurinol (for uric acid stones) Diuretics Sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate Phosphorus solutionsLithotripsy Sound waves to break up large stones so they can easily pass

down the ureters into your bladder.Tunnel Surgery Removed through a small incision in your back (necessary when

the stone has grown too large to pass)Ureteroscopy The doctor uses an instrument called a ureteroscope. A small

wire with a camera attached is inserted into the urethra and passed into the bladder. A small cage is used to snag the stone and remove it (used when a stone is stuck in the ureter or bladder)