Dr Devendra Kumar Babbar, Consultant, Urology and Robotic Surgery, Yatharth Hospital, Greater Noida
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. They are a common urological condition, affecting millions worldwide. Factors such as dehydration, high oxalate diets, obesity, and certain medical conditions contribute to stone formation. With changing lifestyles and dietary habits, kidney stone cases have been rising, particularly in regions with hot climates like India, where dehydration is a major risk factor.
In India, Kidney stones have over 2 million cases reported annually. The condition is particularly prevalent in northern states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Delhi, where hot climates and dietary habits contribute to higher risk. Studies show that nearly 50% of patients experience recurrence within five years, highlighting the need for preventive measures.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Kidney stones form when high levels of calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in urine crystallize. Inadequate hydration leads to concentrated urine, increasing the risk, while excess salt and oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts contribute further. Obesity and a sedentary lifestyle also create conditions favorable for stone formation. Additionally, medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections, and metabolic disorders can increase susceptibility, highlighting the importance of early prevention and management.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The most common symptom of kidney stones is severe pain in the lower back, abdomen, or groin, often considered one of the most intense pains a person can experience. Other symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination or urgency, nausea, and vomiting, with fever and chills occurring if an infection is present. Diagnosis is typically done through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays to determine the stone’s size and location.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing kidney stones requires lifestyle modifications such as staying well-hydrated to dilute urine and reduce stone formation, maintaining a balanced diet by limiting salt, processed foods, and oxalate-rich foods while ensuring adequate calcium intake, and adopting a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise to manage weight. Individuals with a history of kidney stones should also seek medical supervision, undergo routine check-ups, and make necessary dietary adjustments to prevent recurrence.
Comprehensive Approach to Kidney Stone Management
The treatment of kidney stones depends on their size and severity, with smaller stones often passing naturally through increased hydration and pain management, while medications can help dissolve stones or prevent their recurrence. However, larger or more persistent stones may require advanced medical procedures for effective removal.
Minimally invasive options like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) use sound waves to break stones into smaller fragments, allowing them to pass more easily. Ureteroscopy (URS) involves inserting a thin tube into the ureter, often paired with laser stone treatment, where high-powered laser energy precisely breaks down stones into fine particles for easier removal.
Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) is another laser-assisted technique that allows for precise stone fragmentation and removal using a flexible ureteroscope, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. For very large or complex stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) remains the preferred surgical option, involving a keyhole incision to directly extract the stones.
With kidney stone cases rising in India due to dietary and lifestyle factors, early diagnosis, proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and expert medical intervention are essential for effective treatment and long-term prevention.