Treatment for renal calculi, otherwise known as kidney stones, ranges from home options like pain relievers and medications that break down materials causing the stone to hospitalization and surgery in severe cases. Less invasive treatments include extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy to break up small stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy to remove larger stones, and ureteroscopy for stones in the lower urinary tract. A medical professional can select these types of treatment for renal calculi depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of stone.
Before selecting a treatment for renal calculi, the doctor will perform some tests to determine what type of stone it is. Tests include urinalysis and uric acid level analysis as well as an ultrasound or abdominal x-rays. Calcium, cysteine, and uric acid are all different types of renal calculi.
Small kidney stones will often pass through the urine stream on their own without medical intervention. In these cases, over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription narcotic pain killers can alleviate pain. Drinking six to eight glasses of water per day can help pass the stone more quickly. Once the stone passes, it should be saved so that a doctor can test it to determine its type.
Certain medications are also used to break down a stone. Antibiotics are effective for struvite stones, while allopurinol dissolves uric acid stones. Diuretics, phosphate solutions, and sodium bicarbonate can be helpful. Knowing the type of stone is crucial when selecting a treatment.
Severely painful cases may require hospitalization and open surgery or nephrolithotomy. A stone that is too big to pass on its own or one that continues to grow can block urine flow. Additionally, an infection or kidney damage and scarring can result.
There are noninvasive types of treatment for renal calculi that can be considered instead of surgery. Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy uses ultrasonic waves to break up stones less than half an inch in size that are near the kidney. Once the stone is broken into smaller pieces, it will pass through urine. This option can require sedation because it generates loud noise and can cause some pain.
Stones that are larger than half an inch can be removed via percutaneous nephrolithotomy or ureteroscopy. A thin tube fitted with a small camera is inserted into the urethra and bladder. Once the stone is found, tools such as an endoscope are used to break it into smaller pieces.
There are natural preventative remedies for renal calculi. Depending on the type of stone a person is prone to developing, reducing oxalate, vitamin C, and meat intake can be preventative. Regular exercise is helpful because it encourages the body to pass calcium from the blood to the bones.
Kidney stones can be painful but are typically treatable without permanent damage. If the cause is not treated, the stones are likely to return. People who have a history of renal calculi should drink six to eight glasses of water per day to produce sufficient urine. Dietary changes may also be necessary. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain on a side of the back or in the belly area, abnormal urine color, and fever.
