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Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form from crystals in the urine. Small stones will often pass in the urine without symptoms.  Stones can become large and block the flow of urine or cause pain.

 

Why Do Kidney Stones Form?

 

Stones form for many reasons. It is common for them to occur when the compounds that make up stones are present at high levels in the urine.  Risk factors for kidney stones are:

 

  • not drinking enough liquids
  • abnormal urine system
  • metabolic problems
  • family history of kidney stones
  • high or low intake of certain foods


 

Types of Stones

 

There are more than 50 types of kidney stones.  These are the most common.

 

  • Calcium Oxalate is the most common type of stone.  It is found in about 70% of all cases.  These stones vary in shape and size.  They may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.  These stones can have a smooth or a jagged edge.

 

  • Uric Acid is found in about 10% of all cases.  A high amount of uric acid in the urine can lead to this type of stones.  People with gout are at greater risk for this type of stone.  These stones are hard to see with standard X-rays.

 

  • Calcium Phosphate makes up about 9% of all stones.  High levels of calcium or phosphate in the urine cause these stones to form.

 

  • Struvite is found in about 9% of all stones.  They are made of magnesium and ammonium phosphate.  An infection in the upper urinary system can cause this type of stone to form.

 

  • Cystine makes up about 2% of all stones.  Cystine is a by-product of the amino acid, cysteine.  People who form these stones have a genetic trait that causes a high cystine level in the urine.  These stones look like brown sugar.

 

How Do I Know If I Have a Stone?

 

You may have one or more of these symptoms:

 

  • sharp pain in the back that comes and goes
  • back pain that moves to the groin
  • blood in the urine
  • trouble passing urine
  • urge to pass urine often
  • nausea and vomiting

 

The only way to see and find a stone is to x-ray.

 

Treatments for Kidney Stones

 

Many stones pass in the urine without treatment.  If a stone continues to cause pain or a blockage, you may need further treatment. Most stones can be treated without surgery.

 

  • Drink 2-3 quarts of water and other fluids a day.  This can help move the stone along in the urinary tract.

 

  • Drugs can change compounds in the urine.  By dissolving the stone or stopping its growth, the stone can then be passed in the urine.  The type of medicine you need depends upon the type of stone.

 

If the stone does not pass and causes constant pain, blocked urine flow, infection, or damage to the kidney, you may need further treatment.

 

  • Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (SWL) uses an x-ray machine to locate the stone.  Sound waves break the stone into pieces small enough to pass in the urine.  This works in about 85% of the cases that need treatment.  This treatment works best for small stones in the upper urinary tract.  The sound waves pass through your skin, there is no incision.

 

  • Ureteroscopy removes stones from the lower urinary tract.  A small camera-scope is placed into the lower urinary tract.  The stone is broken and taken out using a laser and a small wire basket through the scope.  There is no incision the patient usually goes home the same day.

 

  • Ureterorenoscopy can be used to treat almost any small kidney stone.  A small scope is placed into the urinary tract.  A laser breaks the stone into pieces that can be passed in the urine.  Most patients go home the same day.

 

  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) treats very large or complex stones.  A small incision is made in the back to reach the kidney.  A thin wire placed into the kidney removes the stone.  This requires a hospital stay.

 

Prevention

 

Once the stones are gone, medicine, a change in your diet and drinking more fluids can help to prevent stones from forming again.

 

The Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is #7149.



The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

Last Updated: 02/07/2011

Copyright © 07/03/2009 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5338

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