Kidney stones

aka Nephrolithiasis
Etiology Site: Pelvi-ureteric junction/proximal ureter, intramural ureter/VUJ, where ureter crosses iliac vessels.
- 80% Ca oxalate (or phosphate);
- struvite (1-5%) frequently associated with Proteus, Pseudomonas or Klebsiella = urease-producing organism
- rarely uric acid (10%) or cystine (1% - IEM).
Epidemiology iatrogenic, age, M>F, BMI ↑, dehydration. Incidence: 1-2/1000
Clinical presentation renal colic = flank pain referred to genitals, N+V. Chronic: little pain, ↓ renal function
Pathogenesis ↑ intraluminal pressure = pain
Diagnostic investigations CT KUB = gold standard
➥ Bloods: serum Ca, phosphate, uric acid
➥ urine dip/MSU
➥ IV urogram → indicates function
Management Acutely:
➥ analgesia (diclofenac PR; IV paracetamol if NSAIDs contraindicated)
➥ stent or percutaneous nephrostomy if obstructed

Stable patient/as outpatient:
➥ shockwave lithotripsy
➥ J-J stent
➥ endoscopy ureteroscopy
➥ percutaneous nephrolithotomy
➥ prevention: ↓ Na diet, fluids, fibre, optimise protein intake
➥ Staghorn calculi → ↑ risk Proteus UTI