Kidney stones are the hard mineral and salts crystals which form within your kidneys. They may be as small as a grain of sand and as big as a golf ball. Although the majority of the population is aware of the excruciating pain caused by passing a kidney stone, not all people are so knowledgeable about the entire process of the condition. What then is the last phase of a kidney stone? Case in point, let us dive deep into the process that the kidney stone undergoes and get an insight on what occurs at the latter stages of its passage process.
Knowledge on the formation of Kidney Stones
It is first important to get to know how kidney stones develop before speaking on the last stage. They normally form when the fluid found in urine cannot dilute more substances that form crystals, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid found in your urine. Meanwhile, your urine can also be lacking the substances which prevent crystals to adhere to each other and provide the ideal conditions under which kidney stones can develop.
Phase of Kidney-Stone Formation
Usually, the process of kidney stones follows several specific stages:
- Crystallization: This is the initial stage, and it entails the process of rooting intensification of the surplus minerals within the kidney.
- Aggregation: The small crystals are united to compose a big solid mass or stone.Retention: Stone is left in the kidney where it can increase in size.
- Migration: The stone passes through the kidney into the ureter (the tube that leads the kidney to the bladder).
- Passage or Obstruction: This is the last process, in which the stone would either come out of the body through the urine or obstructs.
The End Game: What You Can Anticipate?
The last stage of kidney stone can be determined to a great extent by the size and position of the stone. The scenarios possibilities are as follows:-
1. Stone Passing Naturually
In the case of the stones less than 5 mm, they have a high probability of being passed out through the urinary tract. This can be a painful process which may take anything between a few days and few weeks.
The following are the symptoms of this stage:-
- Acute and timorous pain in the side and back
- Radiating pain to groin and the lower abdomen
- Vomiting and nausea
- Active urination or urgency to pass urine
- Blood of the urine
After the expulsion of stone, the pain ceases strikingly and urinary functions go back to normal.
2. Stones Which Obstruct
In case the stone is too big to pass through the natural passage (greater than 6 mm), it may block the ureter. This causes high pressure within the kidney that may cause swelling (hydronephrosis) and destruction in case it is not treated.
Obstruction symptoms are:
- Chronic continuous pain
- Fever and chills (according to whether infection develops)
- Difficulty urinating
- Decreased urinary production
In that instance, intervention is required medically.
The Last Stage Of Kidney Stones Medical Treatments
In case the stone cannot be passed through naturally then the following treatment measures can be taken into account:
- Medications: Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin can be used to ensure that the walls of the ureter become relaxed to relieve a stone.
- RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery) is a minimally invasive therapy intended to do away with kidney rocks. It entails the incorporation procedure of a pliable spindle endoscope through the urethra and the bladder into the kidney to discover and disintegrate stones via the utilization of laser energy.
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This involves sound waves to make the stone smaller, so as to get it out of the body easily.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is inserted into the ureter so that one sees and destroys or breaks the stone with the help of a laser.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): It is a minimally invasive operation that is done on a small incision at the back to take out giant stones directly out the kidney.
- Open Surgery: Open surgery is hardly used nowadays, and only in cases of very large and/or complex stones may an open surgery be required.
Preventing Recurrence
After passing or getting a kidney stone, it is important to make efforts in order to stop the reoccurrence:
- Include a lot of fluid in the diet (2-3 liters daily)
- Reduce the number of salt and animalProtein consumed
- Avoid oxalate rich foods (e.g. spinach, nuts, tea).
- Use medication to prevent formation of frequent stones, as you experience them in the past
- Follow-ups may include appointments with your urologist on a regular basis
When Its Time To See a Specialist?
In case you experience the signs of kidneys stones or experienced them in the past, personalized care is advisable that should be conducted by a urologist. Problems can be avoided through early diagnosis and timely intervention leading to a better standard of life.
Conclusion
The last phase of a kidney stone is a dangerous process which either results into alleviation or giving problems based on the size and location of a kidney stone. Some pass out naturally without any problem but other stones should be handled in hospitals to avoid complications in the future.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is the name to look forward in case of people suffering with kidney stones, in Gurgaon. Dr. Gupta is one of the renowned doctors dealing with kidney stones in Gurgaon as he has done more than 12,000 endoscopic surgeries with more than 15 years of experience. He is very passionate about offering premium urological care at a reasonable cost so that quality care is available to all the people. In case you experience kidney stones or would like to avoid them in the future, you should make Dr. Gupta consultations to get the progress assured and the future deserves in this area. Book a call today!