Overview
Ureteral stones are hard formations that develop inside the ureters, the tubes that deliver urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Typical signs of ureteral stones include nausea, vomiting, and pain. Treatments are designed to break down or remove the stones completely. Fortunately, modifications to your diet and medication list can significantly alleviate symptoms.
There are different types of ureteral stones, such as:
- Calcified stones are the most prevalent forms of ureteral stones.
- Uric acid stones are forms of ureteral stones that develop due to high amounts of uric acid found in a person’s urine.
- Struvite stones usually occur directly after a urinary tract infection.
- Cysteine stones arise when amino acid cysteine leaks from the kidneys into the urine.
Typical signs include:
- Vomiting or nausea
- Red, pink or brown-coloured urine
- A burning sensation while urinating
- Hazy urine
- A frequent urge to urinate
Aetiology
The formation of ureteric stones occurs when excessive amounts of the stone-creating substance are in your urine. The substances that help form the ureteric stones travel smoothly from the urinary system. When this fails to occur, it means there’s insufficient urine to help flush the substances because you fail to drink enough water or maintain a healthy balance of fluids. Remember, staying hydrated is crucial to prevent these substances from crystallizing and forming hardened stones.
Treatment
Treatment for ureteral stones largely depends on the size and location of these stones. Your urologist, a doctor who specializes in the urinary tract and male reproductive system, will advise the following treatments for the removal of ureteral stones:
- Shock wave lithotripsy is a highly effective treatment for ureteral stones. High-energy sound waves are used to break down the stones in the ureters, providing a non-invasive and successful solution to this condition.
- Ureteroscopy: A narrow, lighted scope (ureteroscope) is inserted through the urethra and fed through the bladder into the ureter. As soon as the surgeon locates the stone, he breaks it down with a laser or surgically removes it.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy involves the insertion of a lighted scope inside the kidney through a tiny incision in the back in order to prepare for the resection of the stone. This surgical procedure is advised when the stones are too large or abnormally structured.
FAQ
In most cases, people begin to feel better after several days. However, once the remnants of the stones have been passed, you may experience persistent side effects. It may take some time to fully recuperate, which means to return to your normal state of health.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are considered concerning urological symptoms?
- A weak urinary stream
- Signs of bladder stones
- Difficulty urinating
- Pain