URETEROLITHIASIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ureterolithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of stones, known as ureteroliths, in the ureters. The ureters are narrow tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Ureteroliths are solid mineral and crystal formations that can vary in size, from tiny grains to larger masses, and are typically made up of substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid.
The development of ureteroliths is often attributed to the accumulation of these substances in the urine, which can crystallize and form stones. These stones can obstruct or partially block the ureters, leading to various symptoms, including sudden and severe flank or abdominal pain, referred to as renal colic. Other possible symptoms include blood in the urine, frequent urination, nausea, and fever if an infection is present.
The diagnosis of ureterolithiasis is usually made through clinical evaluation, medical history assessment, and imaging tests such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans. Treatment options for ureterolithiasis depend on the size and position of the stones, as well as the severity of symptoms. Small stones often pass spontaneously through the urinary tract with increased fluid intake and pain management. However, larger stones or those causing severe symptoms may require medical intervention, such as medication to help facilitate stone passage, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up the stones, or surgical procedures to remove or bypass the stones.
Preventive measures for ureterolithiasis may include dietary modifications, increased fluid intake, and medication to reduce the likelihood of stone formation. Regular follow-up with healthcare professionals is essential to monitor the condition and prevent recurrence.
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The formation or presence of a calculus in an ureter.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for URETEROLITHIASIS
- yreterolithiasis
- hreterolithiasis
- jreterolithiasis
- ireterolithiasis
- 8reterolithiasis
- 7reterolithiasis
- ueeterolithiasis
- udeterolithiasis
- ufeterolithiasis
- uteterolithiasis
- u5eterolithiasis
- u4eterolithiasis
- urwterolithiasis
- ursterolithiasis
- urdterolithiasis
- urrterolithiasis
- ur4terolithiasis
- ur3terolithiasis
- urererolithiasis
- ureferolithiasis
Etymology of URETEROLITHIASIS
The word "ureterolithiasis" is derived from three components: "uretero-", "litho-", and "-iasis".
1. "Uretero-" comes from the word "ureter", which refers to the slender tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The term "ureter" itself comes from the Latin word "ureter", which originates from the Greek word "oureter", meaning "passing urine".
2. "Litho-" comes from the Greek word "lithos", meaning "stone". It is a common prefix used in medical terminology to indicate the presence of stones.
3. "-iasis" is a suffix that is used to denote the presence of a pathological condition or disease.
Putting these components together, "ureterolithiasis" refers to a medical condition characterized by the presence of stones (lithiasis) in the ureters.
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