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STONE DISEASE - 1
Kidney stones are crystal-like masses that form in the urinary tract. Stones
start out small in size and grow larger over time. Chemicals in your urine
determine the development, shape and growth of the stone. Even though the stone
is formed in the kidney, it may move down to the ureter or bladder before
symptoms occur.
STONE DISEASE - 2
Stones can form in the kidney without ever causing symptoms or may pass
during normal urination. However, most stones become large enough to block the
flow of urine. Symptoms of an obstructing stone include severe pain in the back,
side, or abdomen. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and blood in the
urine. If you experience these symptoms seek medical attention as soon as
possible.
STONE DISEASE – 3
About 1 out of 200 people will form a kidney stone in the United States this
year. 20% of these people will not pass the stone spontaneously and will need
treatment. Risk factors that can lead to the formation on a stone are (1) Family
history of Stones. (2) Low daily fluid intake. (3) Malfunctions in the way the
body absorbs, produces, or eliminates urinary waste.
STONE DISEASE – 4
Tests used to determine if the patient has a
kidney stone, the size of the stone, and the location of the stone may include
(1) Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): dye is injected into a vein, then an X-ray is
taken of the urinary tract. (2) A KUB (X-ray of the kidney, ureters, and
bladder). (3) Renal Ultrasound (an image created bye soundwaves).
STONE DISEASE – 5
There are several ways to remove a kidney stone.
#1 is by mother nature. If the stone has no symptoms, no obstruction, and is not
damaging the kidney, it may pass. The stone will probably hurt but it may be
able to pass on its own. This should be discussed with your doctor.
STONE DISEASE - 6
Another way to remove a stone is by lithotripsy. Lithotripsy uses a machine
to make sound waves which travel through the skin to break up the stones. No
invasion is needed. The stone must be visible on x-ray in order for lithotripsy
to work.
STONE DISEASE - 7
Another way to remove a kidney stone is in the operating room under general
anesthesia. A special telescope (ureteroscope) is passed through the bladder
opening up to the stone. Several types of probes can be used to break up the
stone. Usually a plastic tube called a stent is left in the tube from the kidney
to the bladder to prevent obstruction from the procedure.
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