Kidney stones are solid deposits made of minerals and salts that are formed inside the kidneys when the urine is concentrated. Depending on their size and location, kidney stones may go unnoticed or causing intense pain and complications that may require surgery. This guide destroys different sizes of kidney stones, risks health, and when surgery becomes necessary.
What is a stone kidney?
The kidney stone is a solid mass that is formed by such substances as calcium, oxalate, urate, cystin, xanthin or phosphate in the urine. These substances are usually dissolved in the urine, but if the fluid lacks and the waste concentration is too high, the crystals begin to form. Then these crystals can come together by forming a stone.There are four main types of kidneys:
- Oxalate calcium (most common)
- Uric acid
- Struve (associated with infections)
- Cystin (rare, genetic cause)
Some stones remain in the kidneys and others go through the urinary remedy. Small stones often pass without problems, but large can cause painful blockage.
Common symptoms of kidney stones
Kidney stones differ in size, from the same sand grain to the same large as a golf ball. While tiny stones can pass without symptoms, greater can cause significant discomfort. General features include:
- Sharp pain on the sides of the lower back or abdomen
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Sustainable nausea or vomiting
- Fever and chills (possible sign of infection)
- Urine that looks cloudy or has an unpleasant odor
The pain usually begins when the stone moves or causes a blockage, especially in the ureter (a pipe that connects the kidney with the bladder). Although many stones can go through, others may require medical or surgical treatment.
Chart the size of the kidney stones and options for treatment
The size of the kidney stones plays an important role in determining the likelihood of natural passage and the need for interference. Here’s a common breakdown:
What size of the kidney stone requires surgery?
Usually, kidney stones are more than 10 mm unlikely to go naturally and often require surgical removal. According to the governing principles of the European Association of Urology (EAU) and Nice (UK):
- Stones exceeding 10 mm are usually treated with surgery or minimally invasive procedures.
- Stones exceeding 5-7 mm may also require interventions if they cause obstruction, pain or complications.
Factors affecting the surgical solutions for the kidney
While the size is a key factor, several other elements determine whether the size is a key factor, several other elements determine whether surgery is needed:
- Stone Location: Stones in the upper ureter can be easier than those closer to the bladder.
- Kidney Anatomy: Form, size and drainage capacity of the kidney can affect the suitability of treatment.
- Composition of stone: some stones, such as uric acid or stones -infection (infection), less respond to certain treatments such as impact wave therapy.
- Patient factors: age, medical history, pain tolerance and previous conditions play a role in choosing treatment options.
- History of relapse: Persons with re -formation of stone can use surgical removal and preventive strategies even for smaller stones.
If you seek medical care
While many kidney stones go away without serious problems, you should consult your doctor if you try:
- Intense or prolonged pain
- The impossibility of urine
- Fever or signs of infection
- Nausea and vomiting that do not go
- Blood in the urine
Early medical attention can prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or constant pain. The size of the kidney stone is the most important indicator of how the condition is moving and what treatment is needed. Small stones can pass naturally with liquids and rest, but large stones, especially over 10 mm, often require surgical removal to prevent serious health risks. Understanding your type, size and symptoms can be timely and effective treatment.Also read: Is your kidney healthy? Check it yourself with this simple trick; No need a test
