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.

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

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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.

Episode #84

Novel Approach to PCNLs

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Jose Silva interviews Dr. Jason Wynberg, director of endourology at NYU Langone Health in Brooklyn, about his percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) technique and innovations.

Episode #69

ESWL: A Forgotten Tool

In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Jose Silva and Dr. Stephen Nakada, chair of urology at the University of Wisconsin, discuss indications and benefits of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).

Episode #edición-esp-02

Sugerencias y Mañas a la Hora de Ureteroscopia para Calculo Renal

Dr. Jose Silva y Dr. Fernando Cabrera, urologista de Cleveland Clinic en Florida, hablan sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de cálculos renales y ureterales. Los doctores discuten cuáles pacientes necesitan la intervención, los métodos quirúrgicos para romper los cálculos, y consejos sobre cada tipo de terapia.

Episode #13

Tips & Tricks for Difficult Ureteroscopy

UT Southwestern endourologist Dr. Jodi Antonelli shares her tips and tricks for difficult ureteroscopy cases. Listen to learn about pre-op and post-op medication, dealing with large prostates and narrow ureters, variations in baskets, access sheaths, and ureteroscopes, dusting vs. basket retrieval, and performing ureteroscopies on pregnant women.

Episode #9

Tips & Tricks for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Dr. Margaret Pearle, the Vice Chair of Urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, joins us to discuss percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Dr. Pearle shares advice on pre-operative urine culture analysis, CT scans, percutaneous access, and placing a ureteral stent vs. a nephrostomy tube

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.

PCNL Nephrostomy Tube Placement For Kidney Stones

PCNL is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that is used to remove large or complex kidney stones. Urologist Dr. Margaret Pearle explains when nephrostomy tube placement is appropriate and how they can stabilize post-operative bleeding.

PCNL Surgery Procedure Steps & Techniques

PCNL surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to open kidney stone surgery to remove kidney stones. Urologist Dr. Margaret Pearle shares her PCNL procedure steps and techniques and discusses the complications of PCNL surgery.

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.