How are kidney stones formed?

The main mechanism of kidney stone formation is that urine is concentrated, which leads to salt components in urine, such as carbonates, urates, phosphates, etc. These salt components precipitate from urine to form crystal substances that adhere to the renal pelvis and gradually grow to form stones. Its formation is related to our daily drinking water, diet and certain diseases. For example, drinking too little water or eating foods that contain relatively high calcium components and oxalates can lead to stone formation. If there is obstruction in the urinary system, it is also easy to cause stones. People with hyperuricemia and hyperparathyroidism are also prone to stone formation.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The symptoms of kidney stones are determined by the size of the stone, whether it is active, and whether there is water accumulation in the kidney. If the stone is not active in the kidney, there are generally no symptoms. If the stone is active in the kidney or moves down to the ureter, it will cause severe cramping in the waist and abdomen, which is clinically called renal colic. If the stone causes water accumulation in the kidney, symptoms such as swelling and discomfort in the waist will appear. The treatment plan for kidney stones should be formulated according to its specific size.

What department should I go to for kidney stones?

Kidney stones are stones that occur in the renal pelvis, calyx, and the connection between the kidney and ureter. They often cause pain in the waist or upper abdomen. They are common and frequently occurring diseases of the urinary system, and are more common in men than in women. Kidney stones are a disease of the urological surgery department, so you should go to the urology department when you go to the hospital. Stones smaller than 1 cm can be treated with drugs such as stone removal particles. If the stones are larger than 1 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or renal parenchymal lithotomy or partial nephrectomy should be performed to remove the stones.