Conditions
Kidney Mass
Kidney stones affect more than 10 percent of the American population and are becoming more common.
Evaluation
The evaluation begins with a detailed history and physical examination and may include the following:
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture and sensitivity
- KUB
- CT scan
- Stone analysis
- 24-hour urine study
- Bloodwork
Causes
Numerous factors contribute to stone formation and frequently more than one may be present. These may include the following:
- Metabolic factors (influenced by patient’s genetics)
- Environmental factors (such as mineral content in water, dehydration esp. during warm weather.)
- Dietary factors
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Anatomical differences
Treatment
The treatment option best suited for each patient is dependent on the stone size, location and other health issues. These treatments may include the following:
- Medications
- Dietary management of stones
- Lithotripsy
- Ureteroscopy with laser stone fragmentation/extraction
- Ureteral stent
- Percutaneous nephrostolithotomy (PCNL)
- Open stone surgery (rare)
- Monitoring patients with small stones and allow them to try and pass the stone
Summary
There are a variety of factors that lead to the formation of stones, and an individual plan for the treatment of the current stone and a future stone prevention plan will be discussed with the patient.
