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Kidney Stones: An Ounce of Prevention Is Worth a Pound of Cure

What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are small rocklike substances. They are made up of an accumulation of minerals and develop if the kidney’s chemical conditions are suitable. Kidney stones grow as large as a golf ball. Most stones are made of calcium, but other minerals can be involved. Diet, liquid consumption and medications can play a part in their development. The dry, hot climate of Arizona, which sometimes can lead to dehydration, can contribute to stone formation.

What Are the Usual Symptoms?
The pain experienced from passing a kidney stone is described differently by each patient. Some describe it as the worst pain they have ever experienced, while others have stones that pass with little pain. Pain usually occurs in the lower back and groin areas when there is some sort of obstruction from the kidney. Often the smallest stones are the most painful, while the large stones may cause no symptoms but are more damaging to the kidney.

You are at higher risk if you have
• A history of kidney stones
• Strong family history of kidney stones
• Bone abnormalities
• Gastrointestinal disease
• History of gout
• History of urinary tract infections

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
As urologists we have become proficient at extracting stones that have already formed. We use lithotripsy, a noninvasive extracorporeal shock wave therapy, to pulverize stones into fragments the size of grains of sand. Stones clogging the ureter can be treated with tiny laser scopes, an easy outpatient procedure.

What Are the Chances of Recurrence?
If no therapy is initiated, the chance of a recurrence is reported to be between 60 percent and 90 percent. Therapy can dramatically reduce your chances of recurring kidney stone development.

Who Should be Evaluated for Treatment to Prevent Stones?
Anyone who has passed even a single stone will benefit from a basic assessment. Individuals at higher risk for a recurrence should have a more extensive evaluation.

What Does an Extensive Evaluation Include?
This usually involves drawing blood and collecting urine to be analyzed. Interim diet modifications may be recommended before the diagnostic assessment to help in evaluating a patient.

Other Treatment Options
A modified diet also can be an important part of kidney stone prevention. A specially trained dietitian often will be involved with the education and evaluation processes. A number of medications can help prevent different types of calculi once a patient has been diagnosed.

A Glass of Lemonade a Day Helps Keep Kidney Stones Away
Old Pueblo Urology was one of the first medical-care providers in Tucson to aggressively advocate kidney stone prevention. In our hot, dry climate we are particularly susceptible to dehydration and kidney stones. A regular dose of lemonade has been proven the best beverage for preventing stones.

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