Treat and prevent kidney stones

The medical history often gives the doctor the first clues, and during the physical examination, he can sometimes trigger a throbbing pain over the flanks. Examining urine and blood shows signs of inflammation and provides information about kidney function. Clarity can also be gained about possible causes. If it is possible to use a sieve to catch small stones passed out spontaneously with the urine, their composition can be examined in the laboratory. This provides valuable information on possible causes and sensible therapies.

Identify kidney stones

Stones in the kidneys, in particular, can be detected with an ultrasound examination, and the surrounding structures can also be assessed with computed tomography. 

A simple X-ray examination only shows certain types of stone. Hence, a contrast medium is usually also injected (urogram), with which the renal pelvis, ureter and urinary bladder can also be displayed, and stones appear as recesses.

Direct contrast medium administration into the ureter during a cystoscopy provides more precise results. Sometimes, the stones can be removed directly during this examination. In cases of doubt, the doctor can extend the mirroring to the kidneys, although this is not without the risk of complications.

 

Treatment of kidney stones and urinary stones

Even if kidney stones do not cause any symptoms, they can lead to complications such as kidney inflammation or kidney failure. Therefore, attempts are being made to prevent further education. Helpful here:

• high hydration
• physical movement
• a diet tailored to the specific stones and causes
• medication

If symptoms have already occurred, the treatment of the kidney stones depends on the current situation. Acute renal colic is treated with antispasmodic and analgesic drugs infection with antibiotics. In two-thirds of those affected, the kidney stones (urinary stones) pass spontaneously. In the case of larger stones or complications, there are several options for removing kidney stones.

Remove kidney stones

Kidney stones can be removed in different ways:

• Medicinal therapy: Uric acid stones, such as those that occur in gout, can be treated with medication to deacidify the blood and Dissolve urine. At the same time, uric acid-lowering tablets are given, and the person affected has to change their diet to a low-purine diet. 
• ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): Stones in the kidney or at the beginning of the ureter can be shattered by shock waves from the outside. The smaller parts created this way can then be passed off in the urine.
• Mirroring of the ureter and kidney (ureterorenoscopy) and removal of the stone with forceps or a basket or crushing the stone using laser or ultrasound.
• Direct puncture of the kidney through the skin under ultrasound and X-ray control and shattering of the stone on site.
• Open surgery: only very rarely required; usually simultaneous correction of anatomical malformations such as narrowing of the ureter.

 

Avoid kidney stones through diet.

The risk of kidney stones forming again and again is relatively high. The risk of kidney stones forming can be significantly prevented with preventive measures. This includes:

• a daily fluid intake of two to three litres
• Low-protein, low-salt, high-fibre diet with lots of fruit and vegetables (which inhibits stone formation)
• achieving and maintaining an average weight (without radical diets)
• sufficient exercise

Whether someone has drunk enough can be easily determined by the colour of the urine: if it is thin and very light, almost like water, the amount drunk is sufficient – this urine can practically not form kidney stones. It is, therefore, essential to drink regularly. It is best to put a bottle or two of mineral water in a visible place, for example, on the desk. So remember to drink fluids even under everyday stress, and you can prevent kidney stones.