What is a Transaction?

Urinary tract stone disease is the accumulation of minerals and salts in the kidneys, ureters (ureter) or bladder to form hard masses – stones. These stones can cause pain and discomfort by blocking the urinary tract. Kidney stones can form for various reasons, such as insufficient intake of fluids, certain foods or genetic factors.

What are the Symptoms?

Kidney stones or stones in the urinary tract can often cause the following symptoms:

• Severe Side or Back Pain: Severe, sudden pain in the side or back may occur as a result of movement or blockage of the stones.
• Blood in the urine: When urinating, reddish or pink color may be seen in the urine.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Severe pain can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Pain or burning when urinating: Stones irritate the urinary tract, which can cause burning or pain when urinating.
• Frequent and Urgent Need to Urinate: The frequency of urination may increase and there may be a sudden need to go to the toilet.
• Fever and chills: Fever and chills may occur if the infection is caused by a stone.

How is it done?

To diagnose kidney stones or other urinary tract stones, your doctor may perform several tests:

1. Urine and Blood Tests: These tests check for the presence of stones and signs of infection.
2. Imaging Methods: Methods such as ultrasound, X-ray or computed tomography (CT) are used to determine the size and location of the stone. These methods show the structure and location of the stone in detail.
3. Treatment Plan: Depending on the size, location and composition of the stone, the doctor determines the most appropriate treatment plan.

What are the Treatment Methods?

• Medical Treatment: Some medicines can be given to help small stones pass out of the body naturally. These medicines help the stones to pass more easily and reduce pain.
• ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy): Stones are broken into small pieces by shock waves sent from outside the body. These pieces are then excreted naturally in the urine.
• Ureteroscopy: Removal of stones in the ureter or bladder with a thin instrument inserted through the urethra (urinary canal). This method does not require large incisions as it is an endoscopic method.
• RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery): The stones in the kidney are broken with a thin and flexible instrument by reaching the kidney with a laser and expelled in small pieces.
• PNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): It is a procedure in which large kidney stones are removed by making a small incision through the skin and directly accessing the kidney and removing the stones. This method is an effective treatment option especially for large stones.

Depending on the size and location of the stone and the severity of the symptoms, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you.