Ureterolithiasis

Ureterolithiasis refers to the presence of one or more calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, within the ureter. The ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. These stones typically form in the kidney and then travel down into the ureter. Ureterolithiasis can cause significant pain, often described as renal colic, which is a severe cramping pain that typically begins in the flank and radiates to the groin.

The formation of ureteral stones is multifactorial, often related to supersaturation of urine with stone-forming minerals such as calcium oxalate, uric acid, or struvite. Dehydration is a primary risk factor. Other contributing factors include diet, genetic predisposition, certain medical conditions like gout or hyperparathyroidism, and urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of ureterolithiasis can include severe flank pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), nausea, vomiting, and frequent or painful urination. The severity of symptoms often depends on the size, location, and ability of the stone to obstruct urine flow. Diagnosis is typically made through imaging studies such as a CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray.

Treatment for ureterolithiasis varies depending on the stone's size, location, and the patient's symptoms. Small stones may pass spontaneously with increased fluid intake and pain management. Larger stones or those causing significant obstruction or infection may require medical intervention. This can include medications to relax the ureter and facilitate passage, or surgical procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Prevention strategies focus on increasing fluid intake and dietary modifications.