On 1/9, Doctor Mai Van Luc from the Department of Urology and Andrology at E Hospital, reported that the patient was admitted with severe cramping pain in his left lower back, radiating down to the groin and scrotum. He was sweating profusely and pale. His medical history revealed a previous episode of kidney stones that hadn't been fully treated. Because he also had a herniated disc in his lumbar spine, he mistakenly attributed the back pain to his spinal condition and neglected the pain.
An ultrasound and CT scan revealed a 4 mm stone lodged in the lower third of his left ureter, completely obstructing the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
While small stones can often be treated with medication to help pass them, in this case, the sudden blockage caused increased pressure in the renal pelvis, leading to a rupture. Urine leaked into the retroperitoneal space surrounding the left kidney in large quantities, threatening sepsis and acute kidney failure.
The surgical team performed endoscopic lithotripsy, inserted a JJ stent between the renal pelvis and the left ureter to relieve the obstruction and address the injury. Thanks to prompt intervention, the surgery was successful, and the patient recovered well, being discharged after 5 days.
According to Dr. Luc, ureteral stones are essentially kidney stones that have dislodged and become trapped in the ureter. This is a condition that many people underestimate, thinking it only causes mild pain that will resolve on its own. However, once a stone causes blockage, the kidney becomes like a compressed "water bomb" that can explode at any time, causing a series of severe complications.
Patients can experience dilation of the renal pelvis, hydronephrosis, and pyonephrosis. Prolonged blockage causes the kidney to enlarge and lose function, and the stagnant urine becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Excessive pressure can cause the urinary tract to tear, leading to leakage of urine and inflammation, abscesses, and even peritonitis. Additionally, prolonged damage can cause irreversible kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Bacteria from the infection can spread into the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a dangerous complication with a high mortality rate.
The doctor advises people not to ignore symptoms such as pain in one or both sides of the lower back radiating to the genitals, painful urination, blood in the urine, or fever with chills. For those with a history of urinary stones, who frequently drink little water, or have a family history of the condition, regular abdominal ultrasounds every 3-6 months are essential.
Once diagnosed with stones, patients must strictly adhere to the doctor's prescribed treatment and never self-medicate with herbal remedies or medications of unknown origin. Everyone should maintain the habit of drinking enough 2-3 liters of water daily, have a balanced diet, and limit foods high in oxalate, calcium, and salt.
Thuy Quynh
