Kidney stones
Urine is composed of water mixed with minerals and salts. If an imbalance exists between the amount of water and minerals/salts, it can lead to the formation of stones.
The kidney is made of two parts – the parenchyma (the outer portion of the kidney, which makes urine) and the collecting system (the inner portion of the kidney, which collects urine). The ureter is a small tube that drains urine from the collecting system into the bladder. When it is time to urinate, urine leaves the bladder through the urethra.
Stones form in the collecting system and as long as they remain here, are often not associated with any symptoms. When a stone drops down into the ureter, it will often cause obstruction of urine flow, which leads to severe pain. This pain can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and infection.
Infections related to an obstructing kidney stone can often become life-threatening if not recognized and treated quickly.
Kidney stones are generally diagnosed with imaging studies (Xray, Ultrasound, CT Scan).
Once found, kidney stones can be managed with observation, medication therapy, shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrostolithotomy.
