neerukivi

Neerukivi, or kidney stone, is a hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidneys from concentrated urine. Stones can be solitary or occur as multiple crystals and may pass into the urinary tract, causing pain or obstruction.

Stones form when urine becomes oversaturated with stone-forming substances such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine. Calcium-based stones are the most common. Risk factors include low fluid intake, high sodium or animal protein intake, obesity, gout, metabolic disorders, urinary tract infections, and genetic conditions such as cystinuria.

Symptoms vary and may be absent or include sudden, severe flank or groin pain that comes in waves, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever if infection is present. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical history, urinalysis, and imaging. Non-contrast CT is commonly used, ultrasound is preferred in pregnancy, and urine tests help determine stone type and infection.

Treatment depends on stone size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass with fluids and analgesia. Medical expulsive therapy may be used to aid passage. Larger stones may require lithotripsy (extracorporeal shock wave), ureteroscopic removal, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Infected stones or those causing obstruction require urgent drainage and antibiotics.

Prevention focuses on preventing recurrence by maintaining high fluid intake to dilute urine and by dietary and medical measures as appropriate. This can include moderating sodium and oxalate-rich foods, ensuring adequate calcium intake, using citrate supplements if indicated, and treating metabolic abnormalities. Regular follow-up imaging helps detect and reduce recurrence.

Overall, nephrolithiasis is a common urological condition with a favorable outcome when properly managed and prevented.