Kidney stones are a common urinary tract condition, known for a high recurrence rate. About 50% of patients experience recurrence within the first 5-10 years after initial treatment if effective preventive measures are not implemented.
Many individuals, after pain subsides or successful stone removal, often become complacent. They revert to old habits, such as drinking insufficient water, consuming too much salt, or eating excessive foods rich in oxalates and animal protein. These factors create conditions for urinary crystals to aggregate, leading to new stone formation.
Some recurrences stem from uncontrolled metabolic disorders or underlying conditions like hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, or anatomical abnormalities in the urinary tract that cause urine stasis. Additionally, incomplete treatment of urinary tract infections or the failure to fully remove stone fragments during prior surgery can accelerate the formation of new stones.
Symptoms of recurrent stones often mirror the initial episode, including lower back pain, painful urination, frequent urination, blood in urine, or cloudy urine. However, in some individuals, new stones may develop silently, causing no pain until they grow large enough to obstruct the urinary tract. This can lead to hydronephrosis, impaired kidney function, or severe infection.
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Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Pham Thanh Truc examines a kidney stone patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital |
If you experience renal colic, blood in your urine, or any unusual symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at a hospital with a Urology department. This ensures timely examination and treatment, preventing stones from causing dangerous kidney complications.
At Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, doctors may order ultrasounds and X-rays for an overview assessment, combined with multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) of the urinary system to detect early signs of stones. Concurrently, specialized blood and urine tests help doctors evaluate kidney function and screen for metabolic disorders that cause stone recurrence. After stone removal, doctors analyze the stone's composition to develop a personalized recurrence prevention plan for each patient.
Following kidney stone treatment, patients should undergo regular health check-ups, including abdominal ultrasounds and urine tests, to detect abnormalities or new stone formation early. Drinking 2-2,5 liters of water daily helps dilute urine and flush out waste products. Maintaining a balanced diet, limiting salt intake, reducing animal protein, and ensuring adequate calcium from natural foods are crucial for metabolic balance. Individuals prone to stone formation must adhere to their doctor's medication instructions to adjust urine pH.
Master, Doctor, Second-Degree Specialist Pham Thanh Truc
Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center
Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
