Kidney Stones

Question 1

What are kidney stones mostly made up of?

Answer 1

Calcium

Question 2

What is the gold standard investigation for urolithiasis?

Answer 2

NCCT KUB

Question 3

How would you manage urolithiasis? (5)

Answer 3

• IV diclofenac (strong analgesic)
• IV cefuroxime/ gentamycin (antibiotic)
• Medical expulsive therapy eg alpha-blocker = tamsulosin
• Lithotripsy
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Question 4

What are the 3 common sites for kidney stones to get stuck?

Answer 4

Pelvic-ureteric junction
Pelvic brim
Vesicoureteric junction

Question 5

If a patient > 50y presents with pain in their back and abdomen what should you always consider?

Answer 5

Ruptured AAA
(abdominal aortic aneurysm)

Question 6

How would you prevent urolithiasis non-medically? (3)

Answer 6

Adequate hydration
Diet: reduce sodium, fat, and protein
Reduce oxalate-rich food

Question 7

How would you treat hypercalciuria and recurrent calcium stones?

Answer 7

Thiazide diuretics

Question 8

How would you treat uric acid stones?

Answer 8

Allopurinol

Question 9

How would you treat cystine stones?

Answer 9

Captopril

Question 10

What are some risk factors for renal stones? (4)

Answer 10

Dehydration
Diet (salt, oxalate)
Hyperparathyroidism
Obesity