Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

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Kidney stone incidence worldwide has been growing. Depending on geography it varies from 1-20% percent of population.

Countries with high standard of life – are in higher risk group - over 10%. currently known risk factors are the following:

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Geographic & Climatic

 

Global warming, increased temperatures are proved to increase risk for kidney colic. The studies show a delay between exposure to the higher temperatures and the occurring symptoms of kidney colic of about 2-3 month. Also geographic areas with higher temperatures show higher incidence of kidney stones. Some studies, based on the modelling technique showed that by 2050 worldwide incidence of kidney stones will grow up to 50% and by 2095 by 70% due to the global warming

 

Dietary 

 

Fast food, high fructose corn syrup, increased calcium (!!! dietary – food calcium decreases the risk, supplemental calcium - increases) and sodium consumption, small amount of fluid intake – makes urine supersaturated, which is a critical factor for the stone crystallization to start. Some studies show increased risk associated with animal protein intake

 

Genetic 

 

The people with family history of kidney stones have more probability of having them, than those without a family member affected

 

Other health conditions

• obesity - is strongly associated to the increased risk of kidney stones formation in a lot of studies

• hypetension

• diabetes

• chronic kidney disease 

 

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Prevention

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• potassium and fluid intake – reversely correlated with the risk of developing kidney stones

• low animal protein, low salt diet

• drink more, especially in the warm climate! 

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Possible symptoms of kidney stones

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• abdominal or flank pain

• blood in the urine (hematuria)

• vomiting

• fever

 

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Diagnosis

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• urine test

• ultrasonography (US)

• computed tomography (CT) might be recommended in case of severe pain, also pain relief will be proposed by your doctor

• in case of solitary kidney or fever immediate diagnostic will be required

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Treatment of the kidney stones

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• ​pain relief 

• in case stones are small enough to pass spontaneously (smaller than 5-6 mm) - medicaments to move the stones out, oral analgesia and instructions of immediate return in case of fever or sever pain will be given to the patient

• in case spontaneous passage does not work, stones are too big, threat of infection or severe pain - flexible ureteroscopic stone removal can be proposed. This minimally invasive procedure is performed under general anaesthesia. Stones are being removed through the ureteroscope basket or forceps

• hydration - usually doctor will indicate intake of more than 2,5 laters of fluids daily to enable passage

 

 

Laser treatment for kidney stones

 

When the stone location is difficult the  use of flexible uretroscope with the Holmium Laser Lithotripsy can be the solution. The flexible optical fiber of the laser is introduced through working channel of the scope (device used to see like uretroscope or cystoscope) and laser light is directly emitted to the stone. Laser fragments the stone, generating minimum damage to the adjacent tissue, doesn’t involve radiation and reaches into the arias unavailable with other types of instruments. It is the minimally invasive procedure. Procedure is performed without any incisions.

 

What kind of anesthesia is applied for Holmium Laser Lithotripsy?

For Holmium Laser Lithotripsy general anesthesia is applied. That means that patient will be put asleep during it

 

Is the procedure of the Holmium Laser Lithotripsy or postoperative time painful?

Usually procedure is performed under general anesthesia, which means that patient is sleeping and doesn’t feel any pain. After the procedure, during the urination a burning feeling can appear. It usually diminishes during one day. Postoperatively, while the irritated tissue is healing or rest of the fragmented stones leaving the body, patient will receive the pain-relieving medication, to shield the process

 

How long is post-operative return to normal functioning?

Normal functioning is possible almost immediately after return from the hospital. Dr Corona advises to avoid hard work or exercise for about a week

 

Does stone removal cause blood in the urine?

The slight amount of blood in the urine after the procedure of Lithotripsy is common, due to urothelium (lining, soft tissue of the kidney and ureter) irritation and previous irritation caused by stones. It will stop as soon as irritations heals – usually 2-3 days after the treatment

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