BackTable / Urology / Topic / Condition

Kidney Stones

Kidney stone disease, or nephrolithiasis, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Crystal concretions formed within the kidneys are called kidney stones. Stone may also form in the ureter or urinary bladder, and the location of stone formation influences the symptoms that follow. These stones may be made up of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, uric acid, or cystine. Calcium oxalate stones formed at Randall’s plaque are the most common. Kidney stones increase risk of end-stage renal failure and developing chronic kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Some symptoms of kidney stones include renal colic, flank pain, urinary tract infections, blood urine, and dilation of the kidney.

Learn more on the BackTable Urology Podcast

BackTable is a knowledge resource for physicians by physicians. Get practical advice on Kidney Stones and how to build your practice by listening to the BackTable Urology Podcast, reading exclusing BackTable Articles, and following the work of our Contributors.

Ep 9 Tips & Tricks for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) with Dr. Margaret Pearle and Dr. Aditya Bagrodia

00:00 / 01:04

More about this episode

Stay Up To Date

Follow:

Subscribe:

Kidney Stones Diagnosis

Kidney stones are confirmed with laboratory testing and imaging studies. Stone analysis is especially important in diagnosing patients with cystine, uric acid, infection-induced, drug-induced, and ammonium urate kidney stones. Laboratory tests include blood profiles and a urine metabolic evaluation while imaging studies are usually performed with CT. Systemic and environmental influences should be identified during kidney stone diagnosis so they can be addressed during treatment, if possible. Systemic influences include intestinal disease, primary hyperparathyroidism, recurrent urinary tract infection, and medullary sponge kidney.

Kidney Stones Podcasts

Listen to leading physicians discuss kidney stones on the BackTable Urology Podcast. Get tips, tricks, and expert guidance from your peers and level up your practice.

Kidney Stones Treatment

The most common kidney stone treatments are shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Treatment selection is based on the location and complexity of the kidney stones. Options to prevent a recurrence of nephrolithiasis are available and should address the cause of stone formation in order to be effective. Adjusting diet and increasing fluid intake are essential. While there is no drug that cures and prevents recurrent kidney stones, thiazide diuretic, alkali, or allopurinol treatments can be used to reduce recurrence.

Kidney Stones Articles

Read our exclusive BackTable Urology Articles for quick insights on kidney stones, provided by physicians for physicians.

Kidney Stones Demos

Watch video walkthroughs of kidney stones on the BackTable Urology expanded content network.

Kidney Stones Tools

Check out kidney stones apps, calculators, and decision aids to assist you in your day to day practice.

References

[1] Alelign, T., & Petros, B. (2018, February 4). Kidney Stone Disease: An update on current concepts. Advances in Urology. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5817324/
[2] Miller, N. L., & Lingeman, J. E. (2007, March 3). Management of Kidney Stones. BMJ (Clinical research ed.). Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1808123/
[3] Sakhaee, K., Maalouf, N. M., & Sinnott, B. (2012, March 30). Clinical review. Kidney stones 2012: pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism. Retrieved December 7, 2021, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3387413/

Disclaimer: The Materials available on https://www.BackTable.com/ are for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the professional judgment of a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating patients. The opinions expressed by participants of the BackTable Podcast belong solely to the participants, and do not necessarily reflect the views of BackTable.