Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the urine collecting structures of the kidneys. Kidney stones occur when there is a decrease in the amount of urine, a lack of substances that prevent stone formation, or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine. Low urine output due to not consuming enough water/liquid is the most important risk factor for kidney stone formation. It is known that factors such as not drinking enough fluids during the day, genetic factors, family history, age, gender, race, inactivity or inactivity, and diet increase the risk of stone formation. It is known that the frequency of kidney and urinary tract stones increases in the following cases:
Structural disorders in the kidneys and/or urinary tract: horseshoe kidney, ureteral stenosis
Family history of kidney stones
Hypertension and diabetes
Hyperparathyroidism
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle.
Lack of fluid intake
Lack of citrate in urine
Cystinuria name Some congenital metabolic diseases that are given
What are the treatment methods for kidney stones?
Especially stones that do not cause severe pain or obstruction can be expected to pass with plenty of fluid intake, painkillers and the use of drugs that expand the urinary tract. The waiting period should not be longer than 6 weeks.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL): ultrasonic shock waves are directed onto the stone to break it up. It is expected that the stone particles will then pass spontaneously with the consumption of plenty of water.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): Used for large stones (> 2 cm), staghorn stones and also cystine stones. During the procedure, a tool called a nephroscope is used to enter the kidney collecting system through an incision of approximately 1 centimeter in the flank. Stones are removed by breaking them into pieces using special lithotripsy devices.
Ureterorenoscopy: It is a surgical technique applied for the treatment of stones in the ureter. . Stones are broken and cleaned using a laser.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS): It is used for the treatment of stones smaller than 2 cm in the upper part of the ureter or in the kidney. This surgical technique also uses a laser to break down the stones.
Open surgery: is rarely necessary and can usually be performed for complex cases or people where all of the above have failed.
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