Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid masses made of crystals. Kidney stones usually originate in your kidneys, but can develop anywhere along your urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
Kidney stones are known to be one of the most painful medical conditions. The causes of kidney stones vary according to the type of stone.
- Renal colic
- Blood in the urine (red, pink, or brown urine)
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Discolored or foul-smelling urine
- Chills
- Fever
- Frequent need to urinate
- Urinating small amounts of urine
- Complete health history assessment
- Physical exam
- Blood tests for calcium, phosphorus, uric acid, and electrolytes
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine to assess kidney functioning
- Urinalysis to check for crystals, bacteria, blood, and white cells
- Examination of passed stones to determine type
- Abdominal X-rays
- Intravenous pyelogram (ivp)
- Retrograde pyelogram
- Ultrasound of the kidney (this is the preferred study)
- MRI of the abdomen and kidneys
- Abdominal CT scan
Medication
- allopurinol for uric acid stones
- diuretics
- sodium bicarbonate or sodium citrate
- phosphorus solutions
Lithotripsy
Tunnel Surgery (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
Ureteroscopy