Q: Is USG a must to do in a patients with kidney stones?
A: If a high degree of suspicion exists and plain X-rays do not show stones, USG is a must for diagnosis.

Small stones pass out with high fluid intake, citrate treatment, alkali administration etc.

Q: My child has a renal stone, However he has no complaints. Does he still have to get treated? Can’t we just leave him alone?
A : If the kidney stone (s) is small and is causing ho complaints there is no need to treat. Periodic imaging(USG) is required to assess the size and whether it has moved from its location. However, a larger stone requires treatment as it may later cause complications like colic, renal damage etc.

Q: What are the complications of urinary stones?
A: Complications of urinary stones are urinary infection and obstruction which may lead to destruction of renal parenchyma and if the stones are on both the sides, they may cause obstruction and destruction of both kidneys. In the long run, chronic renal failure (CRF) can occur.

Q: Are kidney stones recurrent? How can I prevent it from occurring again?
A: Kidney stones can be recurrent. To prevent recurrence, it is advisable to drink large quantities of water, which does not allow accumulation of concretions. Use of inhibitors like citrate solution may help.

Q: Most of the members of our family had stones some point in life. Is there something like a family history of stones? How is stone formation prevented?
A: Family history of renal stones helps in early diagnosis of certain metabolic disorders which are precursors for stone formation e.g. hypercalciuria which can be detected by 24 hours urine excretion of calcium. More than 4mg/kg/day calcium excretion is abnormal. Advise regarding high fluid intake helps in prevention.

Certain areas are known for increased prevalence for renal calcium or urolithiasis because of hot climate, excess of calcium/ manganese/ aluminium and many other minerals in soil/ water which increase the solute load. People living in these areas including children suffer from increased incidence of stones. In India, Rajasthan, Kutch and certain areas of Gujarat, Punjab are known as stone belts.

Q: What is the treatment for kidney stones?
A : Depending on size, location, whether stone is causing obstruction, stone can be removed by ESWL (Lithotripsy), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), cystoscopy (removal of the stone though the bladder with the help of an instrument called as an endoscope) or surgical removal. The modality of treatment depends on expertise of the surgeon and how much the patient can afford.

Last updated on 04-04-2001