Kidney stones are stones in the urinary tract system. This is a common disease both in Thailand and worldwide. It can be found in people of all genders and ages but is more common in men, especially those aged 20-49 years.
Kidney stones increase the risk of kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension
Many people may not know that kidney stones are associated with an increased risk of chronic kidney disease, end-stage renal failure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and hypertension. The recurrence rate of kidney stones is quite high. Studies have found that most people experience recurrent stones at 50% within 5-10 years and 75% within 20 years. Therefore, besides treating kidney stones effectively, it is also important to focus on preventing recurrence.
What types of kidney stones are there?
- Calcium stones are the most common type, accounting for about 80% of all urinary tract stones.
- Struvite or Magnesium ammonium phosphate stones account for about 10-15% of urinary tract stones and are often associated with chronic urinary tract infections. This type of stone is more commonly found in women than men.
- Uric acid stones or Urate stones account for about 3-10% of urinary tract stones. They are often found in people who consume foods high in purines, especially animal protein, drink little water, and have acidic urine.
- Cystine stones are rare, accounting for less than 2% of urinary tract stones. They are caused by a genetic disorder that leads to excessive cystine excretion in the urine.
- Drug-induced stones account for about 1% of urinary tract stones. Drugs commonly associated with stone formation include guaifenesin, triamterene, atazanavir, and sulfa drugs.
What symptoms indicate kidney stones?
- Renal colic pain, usually in the flank area, often sudden onset. Pain may radiate to the scrotum in men or the pelvis in women.
- Nausea, vomiting, painful urination, possible blood in the urine, or fever if there is an infection or urinary obstruction caused by stones.
Kidney stones can be treated
Currently, there are several treatment methods for kidney stones. The doctor will choose the treatment approach based on the size, location, number, hardness of the stones, kidney shape, and the patient’s condition.
4 treatment methods for “kidney stones”
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is suitable for relatively small and less hard kidney stones. It has limitations in patients with high body weight and stones located in the lower pole of the kidney, which may reduce treatment success.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is suitable for medium to large stones. It requires a skilled surgeon and specialized instruments to break stones through a skin incision. There is also a risk of significant blood loss.
- Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is a new and popular technique that effectively treats small to medium kidney stones without external wounds, with less risk of blood loss and shorter recovery time.
- Open surgery for stone removal is less popular nowadays due to large incisions and higher risk of blood loss.
Dr. Supawich Luangphattrawong
Urologic surgeon
Urinary Tract Center
Phyathai 3 Hospital
