A ureteral stone is a stone that forms in the kidney or drops from the kidney and becomes lodged in the ureter, the channel that carries urine to the bladder. It is among the emergencies that cause the most severe pain in urology.
This condition develops as a result of urine flow from the kidney to the bladder being blocked due to obstruction of the ureter, and it can lead to serious pain and increased pressure in a short time.
The most prominent symptom
It is sudden-onset, very severe flank (side) pain.
This pain usually:
- Starts in the lower back area
- Radiates toward the groin and genital area
- Is wave-like and hard to bear
Other symptoms
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Nausea and vomiting
- A feeling of frequent urination
- Restlessness and inability to stay still
- In advanced cases, inability to urinate
Why is it so painful?
The main reason the pain in a ureteral stone is severe is the increase in pressure inside the kidney as the stone blocks urine flow. This increase in pressure causes very severe pain called “renal colic.”
Possible complications
When left untreated:
- Accumulation of urine in the kidney (hydronephrosis)
- Deterioration of kidney function
- Development of infection
- Permanent kidney damage in the long term
Treatment approaches
Treatment is determined according to the size and location of the stone and the patient’s clinical condition:
- Small stones:
– Medication treatment
– Plenty of fluid intake
– Follow-up
- Medium-sized stones:
– Treatments to facilitate passage of the stone
– Close monitoring
- Large stones or stones that do not pass:
– Ureteroscopy (closed laser stone breaking)
– ESWL (breaking with extracorporeal shock waves)
– Double J stent (easing urine flow)
Today, open surgery has been almost entirely abandoned. The success rate with modern endoscopic methods is quite high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a ureteral stone pass on its own?
Yes, stones smaller than 5 mm in particular can often pass on their own. However, the location and shape of the stone also affect this process. Stones lodged in the narrow areas of the ureter may require intervention.
Why is the pain so severe?
When the stone blocks urine flow, the pressure inside the kidney rises rapidly. This pressure stimulates the nerve endings and causes very severe colic-type pain.
Is a ureteral stone an emergency?
Yes. Urgent evaluation is required, especially if there is fever, infection, or a decrease in urine output, because kidney function can be affected rapidly.
Why is a stent placed?
A stent (DJ catheter) allows urine to flow easily from the kidney to the bladder. This reduces the pressure on the kidney and brings the pain under control.
Does a ureteral stone recur?
Yes. Stone disease can show a chronic tendency. If diet, water consumption, and metabolic factors are not corrected, it can form again.
Is laser treatment safe?
Yes. Laser stone-breaking procedures performed with ureteroscopy are methods that are quite safe today and have a high success rate.
What is recovery like after surgery?
With closed methods, patients can usually return to their daily lives in a short time. The recovery period is much shorter than with open surgery.
Clinical Summary
A ureteral stone is a condition that manifests with sudden-onset severe pain and requires intervention without delay. In modern urology, thanks to closed and laser-based methods, treatment options are offered that both have a high success rate and provide quite good patient comfort.
