Kidney stones

Question 1

Nephrolithiasis

Answer 1

Formation of stone within urinary tract, solutes of urine percipitate out and crystalise

Question 2

Risk factors for kidney stone formation

Answer 2

1. Hypercalcaemia
2. Diet heavy in oxolate rich food
3. Low fluid intake

Question 3

Types of kidney stone

Answer 3

1. Calcium oxolate - solute structure/ black-brown
2. Calcium phosphate - dirty white
3. Uric acid stone - red/brown
4. Staghorm calculus

Question 4

Symptoms

Answer 4

1. Dull back pain
2. Renal colic - sharp, constant pain caused by dilation of the ureter (loin to groin pain)
3. Haematururia

Question 5

Staghorn calculus

Answer 5

1. Stone occurs due to an infection, bacteria in urine secretes an enzyme which breaks down urea to secrete ammonia
2. Ammonia causes mucoprotein to be released called matrix
3. Fills kidney lke a cast and crystalises

Question 6

Investigation

Answer 6

• PH should be measured as certain stones favour certain ph

* Serum urate and calcium

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

1. Pericutaneous nephrolithotomy - minimally invasive procedure used to remove large stone from the kidney through a puncture wound in the skin