Kidney Stones – An Understanding

Renal calculus or kidney stones are made of a compund called calcium oxalate. It is formed when urine contains less of fluid content and more of crystal forming substances - like uric acid, calcium and oxalate. These deposits can grow to the size of a golf ball and has a sharp crystalline structure.

Though kidney stones do not have any single definite cause, several factors are responsible for its development. They are usually formed when there is a change in the normal balance of water, salts and minerals found in the urine. One major cause of this condition is the lack of water intake. Normally intake of 8-10 glasses of water is recommended on a daily basis. When the water content in the body is less, uric acid – a major component of urine – will not be diluted. Due to this the pH level in the kidneys come down making it acidic in nature. This acidic environment in the kidneys lead to the formation of kidney stones. Different types of changes lead to the development of different kinds of kidney stones.

High intake of animal protein is another major reason for the formation of kidney stones. The acid load which animal protein creates reduces the urinary excretion of citrate and increases the formation of uric acid and calcium. Low citrate is one of the major cause of kidney stones.

A number of studies also link kidney stones formation with excessive intake of calcium and vitamin D supplements. These stones which are formed in the kidneys may also migrate to the ureter or bladder leading to abdominal pain, burning sensation during urination as well as passing of blood in urine.

Treatment

Per Cutaneous Nephro Lithotripsy (PCNL) is a common procedure through which kidney stones can be removed. It is a minimally invasive urological procedure which involves a key hole puncture in the lumber region of the kidney. This is followed by insertion of a pen-sized telescope into the kidney and the stones are broken using holmium laser. Later the broken tone fragments are removed through the same passage.

Similarly for the stones in the ureter/ bladder the telescope is inserted through the urethra and the same process of PCNL is repeated. In cases wherein the kidney stones are upto 1.5 cm, Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is done.

You can easily avoid the formation of the kidney stones by increasing the intake of fluids and citric acid, and reducing the consumption of animal proteins, calcium supplements as well s drinks which have phosphoric acid.

For more information on treatment of kidney stones, visit www.psrihospital.com or call at +91 11 30611700.

PSRI provides super speciality care for liver, renal and digestive diseases. It is the best hospital in delhi when it comes to urology and preventive health management.