Stones within the kidney’s pelvis or ureters can cause complications within the urological system and if left untreated can further deteriorate one’s health clause severe discomfort. The most problematic features arise when a stone becomes stuck in the ureter singular duct that links the kidney to the bladder. This condition can result in a more complex and synergistic pain, blockage of the urethra, and in worse scenarios, destruction of your kidneys.
This blog will propose information on how blocked stones in the kidneys could affect a person’s overall health, certain warning signs to be cautious about, difficulties that could come along the way and the solution for it.
Ureter & Urinary Anatomy Functions: A Quick Overview
The excretory system includes the kidneys and the ureters, bladder, and the parts of a human holed in urinary physiology. Kidneys are organs removing wastes and surplus of fluids in the form of urine from our body. That urine is then pushed out through ureters and stored in a bladder before being thrown out of the body.
Ureters have a primary muscular structure in a narrow tube form, which enables the smooth contraction of the tube walls to facilitate movement of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The contraction movement is more of a rhythm which helps in transporting the urine downwards. Their small size may result in them being obstructed by kidney stones leading to other and more severe problems.
How Does A Stone In The Ureter Form?
The development of kidney stones occurs when urine contains excessive amounts of salts and minerals, which coalesce into solid masses. These stones can range from small particles to larger blockages capable of obstructing the ureter. The most common types of kidney stones are the following:-
- Calcium stones: The most popular type usually formed because of high calcium oxalate content in the urine.
- Struvite stones: Usually seen with infections of urinary bladder and urethra.
- Uric acid stones: Common among people who consume high given protein or suffer from certain metabolic conditions.
- Cystine stones: These are very infrequent and typically result from a hereditary condition.
As a result, when the kidney stone shifts from the kidney into the ureter, it triggers intense, sharp pain, which can interfere with normal urination flow. Treated in time, ureteric co faint shall allow the stone sufferer to be at ease in their daily life, whereas delayed reacts will ultimately get them suffering kidney problems die diagnostic obstructions.
Can a Ureteral Stone Damage the Kidney?
Yes, a stone lodged in the ureter can potentially damage the kidney if it causes prolonged obstruction. Here’s how:
1. Urine Blockage and Hydronephrosis
A stone blocking the urine may pose a hindrance in its free passage towards the bladder which in turn blocks the urine from leaving the bladder which results in a back up of urine which increases the swelling of the kidney – this condition is termed as hydronephrosis. If the aforementioned blockage indeed is present, the increasing rate of pressure has the ability to damage the kidney tissues. All in all, blocking the ureters eventually results in the obstruction of the kidney bladder as well as inflation.
2. Increased Risk of Infections
Kidney stones can increase your risks of UTIs because they can also block the ureters. As a result the stagnant urine can multiply bacteria which cause damage to the kidney. Kidney infections, as scarring, can lead to permanent replacement of the kidney.
3. Reduced Kidney Function
If a stone remains stuck in the ureter for an extended period, it will also lead to extreme cases where it results in kidney failure.
4. Damage Done From Constant Stones
Patients with recurring kidney stones form a risk group for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Each instance of blockage and infection has the potential to inflict further damage to the kidney, thereby increasing the chances of kidney failure in the future.
Indications/Symptoms of a Stone in the Ureter
If you experience these symptoms, particularly excruciating pain or any signs of infection, go to a doctor without hesitation.
- A stone found in the ureter typically manifests with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Acute discomfort in the pelvic region, back, flank, or lateral abdominal wall (ureteric colic)
- Burning sensation while passing urine
- Polyorchidism
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Vomiting or retching
- Elevated temperature and rigors (if develops infection)
Checkup/Diagnosis of Ureteral Stones
The presence of a stone in the ureter may be diagnosed by a urologist using:-
- Urinalysis – Assessment for blood, crystals, or any sign of infection.
- Ultrasound – Assesses for kidney hydronephrosis and swelling.
- CT scan – The modality of choice for size, position, and quantity of stones.
- KUB X-ray – Detects stones that are composed of calcium.
Management of Ureteral Stones
Management is influenced by the size, location, and extent of the stone.
1. Observational (Small Stones)
Flushing out with water – Will enhance elimination of small stones from the body.
Pain Management – NSAIDs and opioids are used to ease agony.
Alpha Blockers – Medications like tamsulosin help along with the stone passage by relaxing the ureter.
2. Medical Procedures for Larger or Impacted Stones
- Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) – A minimally invasive procedure where a flexible ureteroscope is used to access the kidney through the urethra, allowing laser fragmentation and removal of stones without any incisions.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) – Relies on sound waves to administer blasting, effectively breaking the stone into smaller portions that can be passed out naturally.
- Ureteroscopy (URS) – Employs the use of a laser for stone fragmentation or removal through urethral access. A thin scope is passed through the ureter.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) – Treatment for those large stones that cannot be handled using other methods. It is a minimally invasive procedure.
- Stent Placement – Involves placing a tube in the ureter to maintain patency and enable the passage of urine past the stone.
3. Surgery for Severe Cases
In extreme cases, the removal of the stone is done surgically to mitigate the risk of further damage to the kidney in the event other treatments prove ineffective.
How To Avoid Kidney Stones?
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, one’s lifestyle and diet require modification such as:
- Increasing water intake (2-3 liters at a minimum every day).
- Lowering one’s consumption of salt.
- Reducing the intake of oxalate-rich food (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate).
- Consuming more lemon and other citric fruits (the citrate component hinders the formation of stones).
- Reaching and sustaining a proper body weight.
- Controlling diabetes and hypertension, as well.
Speak to a urologist immediately if one feels persistent pain, has trouble urinating, or shows other signs of infection. Taking action at this stage, before the kidneys face serious damage, is ideal.
Expert Urologist: Dr Deepanshu Gupta
Only a trained doctor can determine the correct way to treat a stone sitting in the ureter that poses a threat of inflicting dire pain and severe kidney damage. Becoming and remaining aware of the signs, the risks, and functioning indicates of a doctor seeing care destroys the chance of suffering long intervals of harmful effects that accompany incomplete treatment.
For an accurate diagnosis and treatment, reach out to Dr. Deepanshu Gupta who practices as a urologist in Gurgaon intensivley. Renowned Dr. Gupta attends to people with kidney stones and other urological problems using new technologies while prioritizing the patient’s needs.
Kidney Stone Problems With Worse Symptoms?
Schedule an appointment with the well-reputed Dr. Deepanshu Gupta right away to provide the best care for the kidneys and urinary tract.