Before the age of 70, 20% of men will receive a diagnosis of kidney stones, also known as renal calculi or kidney lithiasis, according to Dr. José Pedro Lomelín Ramos, a urology specialist at ABC Medical Center.
Kidney stones are solid deposits of acidic salts or minerals that form in concentrated urine. When their size is small, symptoms may be minimal.
The Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) reports that kidney stones may occur as a single stone or multiple stones at the same time, and they most frequently occur in men aged 20 to 30.
When a person develops kidney stones, it is important to know their size, hardness, and location. Based on this information, the urologist will determine the type of treatment to follow; likewise, it is important to know whether any complications are present, such as fever or pain.
There are three main types of treatment:
- Pharmacological medical treatment: includes medications that help expel or dissolve small stones and also help relieve pain.
- Surgical treatment: includes the extraction and fragmentation of the stones, which is achieved through endoscopic techniques without creating external wounds in the patient.
- Maintenance treatments: these require lifestyle changes such as increasing fluid intake and making dietary modifications.
The choice of treatment will depend on the specific characteristics of each patient, such as stone size and location, as well as the symptoms already present and any other diseases that may complicate the clinical situation, explains Dr. Lomelín.
It is important to know that regardless of the treatment, up to 50% of people who have previously had kidney stones and received successful treatment may experience recurrence within the next 10 years, which is why proper follow-up is essential.
In the area of Internal Medicine at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
Dr. José Pedro Lomelín Ramos – Especialista en urología
YouTube Centro Médico ABC
IMSS
