A kidney stone is a common urological disease that arises when certain minerals and salts found in the urine crystallize over time to form hard structures inside the kidney. Although it can be seen in every age group, it is encountered more frequently in individuals between the ages of 20 and 60. While kidney stones can remain silent for a long time without causing any symptoms, if they drop into the urinary channel, they can lead to quite severe pain and serious complaints.
The symptoms of kidney stones can vary according to the size and location of the stone and the degree of obstruction it creates in the urinary tract. While some small stones can pass on their own without causing any complaints, larger stones can lead to serious pain and infections.
The Most Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Severe Flank and Lower Back Pain
The most characteristic symptom of a kidney stone is flank pain that begins suddenly, comes in waves, and can be quite severe. The pain is usually felt in the lower back or under the ribs. As the stone moves into the urinary channel, the pain can spread to the groin, the lower abdominal area, and the genital area.
This pain is commonly known as “renal colic” and is described by many patients as one of the most severe pains of their lives.
Blood in the Urine
A kidney stone can irritate the urinary tract and cause bleeding. This condition sometimes appears as visible red or pink-colored urine, and sometimes it can only be detected through laboratory examination.
Frequent Urination
If the stone is located especially in areas close to the bladder, patients may develop a need to urinate frequently. Although the person constantly feels the urge to go to the toilet, they may pass only a small amount of urine.
Burning When Urinating
Stones that approach the urinary channel or cause infection can lead to a burning and painful feeling when urinating. This condition can sometimes be confused with a urinary tract infection.
Nausea and Vomiting
During severe kidney stone pain, nausea and vomiting are among the common symptoms. These complaints can become more pronounced especially in cases where the stone blocks urine flow.
Decrease in Urine Flow
Large stones can partially or completely block the urinary channel. In this case, serious symptoms such as a decrease in the amount of urine, difficulty urinating, or a complete stopping of urine can occur.
Fever and Chills
If an infection accompanies the kidney stone, high fever, chills, and a general decline in condition can develop. This is an important situation that requires urgent intervention, and a urology specialist should be consulted without losing time.
How Is a Kidney Stone Diagnosed?
In patients with suspected kidney stones, a detailed history is taken first and a physical examination is performed. Then, various imaging methods are used to confirm the diagnosis.
Ultrasonography, urinary system X-ray, and especially low-dose computed tomography are the most commonly used methods in the diagnosis of kidney stones today. Thanks to tomography, the size, location, and density of the stone can be evaluated in detail.
In addition, urine analysis, blood tests, and, when necessary, metabolic investigations can also be performed.
How Is a Kidney Stone Treated?
The treatment method is determined according to the size and location of the stone, the patient’s complaints, and kidney function.
Medication and Follow-up Treatment
Many stones under 5 mm can pass on their own with plenty of fluid intake and appropriate drug support. This process can usually vary from a few days to a few weeks.
ESWL (Stone Breaking with Sound Waves)
In suitable stones in the kidney or upper urinary channel, the stone can be broken with shock waves applied from outside the body. The procedure requires no surgical incision, and most patients can return home on the same day.
Flexible Ureterorenoscopy (RIRS)
It is one of the most commonly performed closed kidney stone operations today. The kidney is reached by entering through the natural urinary tract, and the stones are fragmented with the help of a laser. No incision is made. Patients are usually discharged the same day or the next day.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
It is the closed method used in the treatment of stones that have dropped into the urinary channel. The stone is reached with a camera system, and a breaking procedure is performed with a laser.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
It is one of the methods preferred for kidney stones larger than 2 centimeters or complex kidney stones. A small entry is made into the kidney, and the stones are cleared with special devices. The hospital stay usually varies between 1 and 3 days.
The Post-Treatment Process
After stone treatment, it is important for patients to drink plenty of water, have their regular check-ups, and follow the recommended nutrition program according to the stone analysis. Because kidney stone disease is a condition that tends to recur. When appropriate preventive measures are not taken, stones can form again in a significant portion of patients in the coming years.
When Should a Doctor Be Consulted?
When symptoms such as severe flank pain, blood in the urine, fever, nausea and vomiting, or inability to urinate appear, a urology specialist should be consulted without losing time. Thanks to early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, both the pain can be brought under control and the development of permanent damage to the kidneys can be prevented.
Summary
In conclusion, kidney stone disease is a condition that can be successfully treated when diagnosed in the early period. Thanks to modern imaging methods and advanced closed surgical techniques, patients today can regain their health in a short time and return to their daily lives quickly.
