Urolithiasis is a medical condition characterized by the formation of hard, mineral deposits called calculi (stones) within the urinary tract. These stones can develop anywhere within the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), or urethra (tube through which urine is expelled from the body). Urolithiasis is also commonly known as urinary tract stones or kidney stones.
The stones that form in urolithiasis are typically composed of substances that are present in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, or uric acid. The exact cause of urolithiasis can vary and may involve several factors, including dehydration, urinary tract infections, certain medications, genetic predisposition, or certain metabolic disorders. Symptoms of urolithiasis often include intense and sudden flank or abdominal pain, blood in the urine, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and, in some cases, obstructed urine flow.
The diagnosis of urolithiasis is typically made through imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray, or computed tomography (CT) scan, which can identify the presence, size, location, and composition of the stones. Treatment options for urolithiasis depend on the size, location, and composition of the stones, as well as the severity of symptoms. They may range from conservative measures such as increased fluid intake, pain management, and medications to promote stone passage, to more invasive procedures like lithotripsy (shock wave therapy to break up the stones), ureteroscopy (using a thin tube to remove or break up stones), or surgery in more severe cases.
Overall, urolithiasis is a condition characterized by the
