Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones Treatment In Trivandrum

Kidney stones are solid, hard deposits that form in the kidneys from minerals and salts in the urine. These stones can vary in size, from tiny grains that pass unnoticed to larger ones that can cause significant pain. In medical terms, kidney stones are also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The main symptoms of kidney stones include

Frequent Urination.
Urinary Urgency.
Severe Pain.
Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine.
Nausea & Vomiting.
Blood in Urine.

What are the different types of kidney stones?

Types of kidney stones include:

Calcium Stones: Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone and are usually made when calcium combines with another substance such as oxalate or phosphate in the urine. Calcium oxalate stones are more frequent, but calcium phosphate stones also occur. These stones form when the urine contains excess crystal‑forming substances and insufficient fluid to dilute them.
Uric Acid Stones: Uric acid stones develop when urine becomes too acidic, causing uric acid—a waste product formed when the body breaks down substances called purines—to crystallize and form stones. They are more likely in people with high purine diets, gout, or persistently low urine pH.
Struvite Stones: Struvite stones, also called infection stones, form in response to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bacteria that split urea raise urine pH, creating an alkaline environment that encourages crystals of magnesium,ammonium, and phosphate to grow into stones. They can quickly become large and cause complications.
Cystine Stones: Cystine stones are rare and occur in people with a hereditary condition called cystinuria, in which the kidneys excrete too much of the amino acid cystine. This leads to cystine crystallizing in the urine and forming
stones.

What causes kidney stones?

Most kidney stones are caused by a combination of diet, lifestyle, genetic, and medical factors.

Dietary Factors : High intake of salt, sugar, oxalate-rich foods, or animal protein can promote stones.
Obesity: Excess weight can change urine composition, leading to stone formation.
Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes urine concentrated, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Medical Conditions: Conditions like gout, hyperparathyroidism, or urinary tract infections can increase risk.
Family History: Genetics play a role; a family history of kidney stones raises your likelihood.
Certain Medications: Some diuretics, calcium-based antacids, or chemotherapy drugs can contribute to stones.

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are diagnosed based on symptoms, medical history, and imaging tests that confirm the presence, size, and location of the stone.

Imaging Tests: Advanced imaging, especially a CT scan, provides clear images that show the exact size and location of kidney stones; ultrasound or X-ray may be used when CT is not suitable.
Urine Tests: Urine analysis helps detect blood, infection, and high levels of minerals or chemicals that promote stone formation.
Blood Tests: Blood tests measure substances such as calcium and uric acid and assess kidney function to uncover metabolic or medical causes.
Stone Analysis: If a stone is passed naturally or removed, it is examined to identify its type, which helps guide future treatment and prevention.

What are the kidney stone risk factors?

Kidney stones can affect many people, but certain conditions, habits, and health issues make some individuals more likely to develop them.

Age, Sex & Climate: Stones are more common in adults aged 20–50, occur more often in men, and are more likely in hot or dry climates where dehydration is more common

Dehydration: Not drinking enough fluids leads to concentrated urine, which allows minerals and salts to crystallize and form stones.

Diet High in Sodium, Protein, or Sugar: Diets rich in salt, animal protein, and added sugars raise calcium and uric acid levels in urine, promoting stone formation.

Family or Personal History: If you or close family members have had kidney stones before, your risk increases significantly.

Digestive Diseases or Surgery: Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastric bypass surgery change how your body absorbs nutrients and fluids, increasing stone risk.

Obesity and Metabolic Conditions: Being overweight or having metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or high blood pressure alters urine chemistry and increases stone risk.

High Oxalate or Purine Foods: Foods high in oxalate (like spinach, nuts, and beets) or high-purine foods (like red meat and shellfish) can contribute to certain types of stones.

Certain Medications and Supplements: Some medicines (e.g., diuretics, certain antacids, and antiseizure drugs) and high-dose vitamin C or calcium supplements can raise the chance of stones.

What treatment options are available for kidney stones?

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms. Many small stones pass on their own, while larger or painful stones may require medical intervention.

Conservative Management (Small Stones < 5 mm): Small kidney stones often pass on their own with conservative care. Increasing fluid intake to about 2–3 liters per day helps dilute urine and flush out the stone. Pain relievers are used to control discomfort during passage, while medications such as alpha-blockers may be prescribed to relax the ureter and allow easier movement of the stone. Regular follow-up with imaging and urine tests ensures the stone is progressing or has been passed successfully.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): A non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy sound waves to break the stone into tiny pieces, which can then pass in the urine. It is usually done as an outpatient treatment and is often recommended for stones that are too large to pass naturally.

Ureteroscopy (URS): A minimally invasive procedure where a thin scope is passed through the urethra and bladder to reach the stone in the ureter or kidney. The stone is then removed or broken up with a laser.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Used for large or complex stones, this involves a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone directly. It’s usually done under anesthesia and may require a short hospital stay.

Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy with Laser: During these procedures, a scope allows the surgeon to view the stone and either extract it with baskets or break it into pieces using a laser. This is especially useful for stones stuck in the ureter.