Urology

Urinary or Kidney Stones are referred to as hard stones or masses formed in the urinary tract. The stones are hardened mineral deposits that originate as microscopic particles and over the course of time develop into stones. The kidneys are known to filter waste products from the blood and add them to the urine. When the kidney is unable to evacuate the waste materials, crystals and kidney stones are likely to form.

There is a possibility that some stones may pass out of the kidney. In most cases, the stones tend to get lodged in the ureter and cause severe pain that starts from the low back and radiates to the side or groin. A lodged stone can block the flow of urine and build a backpressure in the affected ureter and kidney.

Important Points to be noted:

It is imperative that one understands the following crucial points:

1. Small and smooth kidney stones may remain in the kidney or pass without causing pain (called “silent” stones).
2. Stones that lodge in the ureter (the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder) cause spasm in the urinary system and produce pain.
3. This pain is unrelated to the size of the stone.