Description
Kidney stones are small, solid particles that form in one or both kidneys. The majority of kidney stones contain calcium oxalate. Other types of stones contain uric acid, struvite, and cystine. They generally do not cause problems until they enter the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder (ureter) causing obstruction of the urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. The obstruction causes severe pain. The following conditions increase the risk of developing kidney stones: obesity, a family history of the disorder, diets high in protein, previous gastric bypass surgery, and dehydration.
Symptoms
Flank, back and or abdominal pain; pain often radiates to the groin: abnormal urine color, blood in the urine; nausea, vomiting; painful urination; urinary frequency/urgency, urinary hesitancy.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A urine analysis is done to look for red blood cells. A CT scan is the standard method of diagnosis. An ultrasound can demonstrate the dilation of the ureter and kidney, suggesting a blocked ureter.
Tests:
CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Intravenous pyelogram
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. A urine analysis is done to look for red blood cells. A CT scan is the standard method of diagnosis. An ultrasound can demonstrate the dilation of the ureter and kidney, suggesting a blocked ureter.
Tests:
CT Scan, Urinalysis (UA), Ultrasound
Other Specific Tests: Intravenous pyelogram
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Urology, Pediatrics, Family Practice
Treatment
Vigorous oral or intravenous fluids, pain medications and anti-nausea medications are the primary treatments. Most stones less than 6mm in size will pass on their own. Stones that don't pass on their own will need to be removed during a cystoscopy or other surgical procedure.