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nephrolithiasis

Nephrolithiasis, commonly referred to as kidney stones, is the formation of solid concretions in the kidneys from crystallized minerals and organic material. Stones may remain in the kidney, move into the ureter, or pass through the urinary tract. The condition is common worldwide and recurrence is relatively frequent.

Most stones are calcium-based, with calcium oxalate stones comprising the majority. Other common types include calcium

Symptoms often result from urinary obstruction and may include sudden, severe flank or groin pain, hematuria,

Treatment depends on stone size, location, and symptoms. Small stones often pass spontaneously with analgesia and

Prevention focuses on reducing recurrence through hydration and lifestyle modifications. Recommendations include maintaining a high urine

phosphate,
uric
acid,
struvite
(infection-related),
and
cystine
stones.
Risk
factors
include
dehydration,
high
sodium
and
animal
protein
intake,
hypercalciuria,
hyperoxaluria,
gout,
obesity,
diabetes,
and
family
history.
Environmental
and
metabolic
factors
also
contribute.
nausea,
and
vomiting.
Fever
or
chills
can
indicate
infection.
Diagnostic
evaluation
typically
starts
with
non-contrast
CT,
which
is
highly
sensitive
for
stones;
ultrasound
is
used
in
certain
populations
such
as
pregnant
individuals.
Urinalysis
may
show
blood
and
crystals,
and
stone
composition
can
be
determined
from
passed
stones
or
through
metabolic
testing
after
an
event.
increased
fluid
intake;
medical
expulsive
therapy
may
assist.
Larger
stones
or
complicated
cases
require
procedures
such
as
extracorporeal
shock
wave
lithotripsy
(ESWL),
ureteroscopy
with
stone
extraction
or
laser
lithotripsy,
or
percutaneous
nephrolithotomy.
Stone
analysis
guides
prevention
strategies.
volume,
moderating
sodium
and
animal
protein
intake,
ensuring
adequate
calcium
intake
while
controlling
oxalate
intake
for
calcium
oxalate
stones,
and
addressing
metabolic
abnormalities.
With
appropriate
management,
most
patients
experience
relief,
though
recurrence
remains
a
concern.