We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Ureteric Stones?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,493
Share

Ureteric stones, or ureterolithiasis, are kidney stones that have become lodged in the ureters. A person's two ureters are tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The terms ureteric stones and ureteral stones, which are used interchangeably, do not refer to a specific type of kidney stone, but rather to the location where they are found. There are different types of these deposits, which are made of minerals. Very small stones may pass out of the body by themselves; however, this can be quite painful and a doctor may recommend other treatments instead, such as sound wave therapy or even surgery.

Some people may be more susceptible to developing kidney stones. Genetics may predispose a patient to developing two types of stones, called cystine and uric acid stones. Those who frequently suffer from infections, like urinary tract infections may develop struvite stones. This type of kidney stone can grow quickly, often requiring more invasive treatment.

Calcium stones are the most common type. These are formed from high levels of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Dietary factors may contribute to the formation of these types of stones, such as a high intake of vitamin D. Gout or the use of diuretics or antacids that contain calcium can also cause this condition.

Patients who have ureteric stones will often complain of severe back pain, which can be caused when the stone becomes stuck in the tube. This obstruction also blocks urine from passing. Some patients may also experience a fever and chills, along with nausea and vomiting. Urination can be painful or difficult, and patients may notice bloody urine or the persistent urge to void. Pyeloneprhitis can also develop, which is an infection of the kidneys.

Those who experience pain and other symptoms should seek immediate medical help. The doctor will likely run imaging tests to determine the size of the ureteric stones. If they are small, he will often recommend a mild pain reliever and instruct the patient to drink a certain amount of water to encourage the stones to pass through the ureters.

Ureteric stones that are large or that cause severe symptoms may be treated with sound wave therapy, called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Prior to this procedure, the patient may be sedated to alleviate any discomfort. The doctor will then use a machine to direct sound waves to break up the stones into smaller pieces. These smaller ureteric stones may then be passed in the urine.

Less commonly, a doctor may need to insert a thin piece of equipment called a ureteroscope through the bladder to grasp the stone and pull it out. If he cannot remove the stone this way, he may instead manually break it apart. Rarely, some patients may need surgery to remove the ureteric stones through an incision in the back.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-ureteric-stones.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.