Renal stones

Question 1

What are the types of renal stones?

Answer 1

Calcium oxalate
Calcium phosphate
Uric acid
Struvite- associated with infection
Cystine - associated with cystinuria (autosomal recessive condition)

Question 2

What are the most common kind of renal stones?

Answer 2

Calcium stones - calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate

Question 3

What is the presentation of renal stones?

Answer 3

Renal colic
Haematuria
Nausea and vomiting
Reduced urine output
Symptoms of sepsis if infection is present

Question 4

What investigations are performed in investigation of renal stones?

Answer 4

Urine dipstick - haematuria
U&E
FBC - signs of infection
Abdominal X-ray - can show calcium based stones
Non-contrast CT-KUB - initial investigation of choice

Question 5

What is the management of renal stones?

Answer 5

NSAIDs for analgesia
Antiemetics
Antibiotics if infection present
Tamsulosin
Surgical intervention - for stones larger than 10mm, stones that do not pass spontaneously, or where there is complete obstruction, or infection

Question 6

What types of surgery are available for renal stones?

Answer 6

ESWL - extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
Ureteroscopy and laser lithotripsy
PCNL - percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Open surgery

Question 7

What analgesia is preferred in renal colic?

Answer 7

Diclofenac