Renal calculi

Renal calculi also known as kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Often, kidney stones are formed when urine becomes concentrated. Because of concentrated urine, minerals are crystallized and get stuck together.

What are the different types of kidney stones?

1. Calcium stones - Most commonly, kidney stones are calcium stones usually in the form of calcium oxalate.

Kidney stones can also occur in the form of calcium phosphate

2. Struvite stones - Struvite stones are formed in response to urinary tract infection

3. Uric acid stones - Uric acid stones are formed in case of too much fluid loss like in chronic diarrhea or malabsorption

4. Cystine stones - Cystine stones are formed in case of hereditary disorder cystinuria

How are struvite stones formed?

Struvite stones are also known as magnesium ammonium phosphate stones. Struvite stones are seen in cases of bacterial infections that produce urease (eg: Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus mirabilis). The urease produces ammonia and CO2 which creates basic urine (pH>7)

Drinking enough water prevents kidney stones. How?

Drinking lots of water keeps the urine dilute and prevents stones from getting formed

What is ESWL?

ESWL is extra corporeal shock wave lithotripsy. ESWL uses sound waves to create strong vibrations that break the larger stones into tiny pieces that can be easily passed in urine

Which medicine is used to treat uric acid stones?

Allopurinol. Allopurinol acts by reducing uric acid levels in blood and urine.