Kidney stones are small formations of minerals that are deposited inside the kidneys, causing acute pain and potentially urinary infections. Their journey usually starts from the kidney to the urethra, from which they are expelled through the urine.
What Are Kidney Stones and How Are They Formed
The formation of kidney stones is a fairly common pathology that causes renal colic, leading to severe pain and which can also cause kidney infections.
Calculosis, one of the most frequent diseases of the urinary tract, is characterized by the presence of small, pebble-like stones along the urinary tract. These stones form in the kidneys through a process known as “supersaturation,” where substances normally found in urine become excessively concentrated or when urine volume decreases, allowing solid materials to accumulate and crystallize.
The stones can either remain in the kidney or travel through the ureters to the bladder, eventually being expelled from the body through urination. In healthy individuals, urine typically contains substances, such as citrates, that prevent crystallization. However, stone formation occurs when certain conditions disrupt this balance.
Causes of Kidney Stones
When a substance in the urine is present in excess and becomes highly concentrated, it tends not to dissolve but instead settles in the kidneys, forming pebble-like stones. The cause of kidney stones is primarily due to this excessive concentration of substances that are normally found in urine.
Several factors can pathologically increase this concentration. Typically, the causes of kidney stones are associated with:
- Familiarity and heredity
- Dehydration
- Improper nutrition
- Recidivism
However, the development of kidney stones can be linked to the presence of other diseases, previous or coexisting.
How They Manifest Themselves
Kidney stones can vary in shape, size, and composition. The most common types of stones include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones. Each type can present different symptoms, and the severity of symptoms often depends on the size and location of the stone in the urinary tract.
Small stones may be asymptomatic. However, kidney stones can cause sharp, sudden pain that radiates to the abdominal and lumbar regions. When a stone is unable to pass easily through the urinary tract, various symptoms may arise, including:
- Sharp, violent pain in the lower back and abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating, high fever and chills
- Burning sensation when urinating and increased frequency of urination
- Blood in the urine if the stone moves and the body tries to expel it
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine
When a kidney stone is large, it can become lodged in the ureter, blocking the flow of urine and causing intense contractions in the ureter muscles as they attempt to push the stone into the bladder. This blockage can impair kidney function, potentially leading to a decline in kidney performance and an increase in creatinine levels.
Therapy for Calculosis
Most kidney stones are naturally expelled through the urinary system. However, when stones are too large, medical intervention may be necessary.
Treatment focuses on easing the passage of stones while minimizing pain. Options include:
- Pain medication to reduce pain
- Non-invasive surgical therapies to remove stones that are too large for self-expulsion
- Surgeries to remove larger stones or those that obstruct the urinary tract
The treatment of kidney stones therefore depends on the size and composition of the stone.
Securmed: Urology Products
Securmed provides urology and continence products designed to help patients manage bladder health safely and effectively, reducing the risk of urinary infections. Their products are suitable for both hospital and home use and include:
- Accessories: metal or plastic supports for bed bags
- Catheterization: PVC Nelaton catheters, silicone latex Foley catheters, external catheters
- Urine Collection Bags: Closed Circuit Bed Bag, Emptying Bags, Leg Bags, Pediatric Bags
- Pre-connected closed system: pre-connected systems for short- and medium-long term catheterization
These high-quality devices are designed to help prevent complications and protect patient health.
Bel: Urodynamic Products
Bel offers innovative, quality solutions to support physicians and patients in different application areas, helping to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life. Thanks to the experience gained in over 40 years of activity, the company designs, manufactures and distributes certified medical devices, with particular reference to vascular accesses and disposable devices for various medical specialties.
In urodynamics, Bel offers a range of specific products:
- Two-lumen catheters for pressure/flow study and cystomanometry
- Two-lumen coaxial catheter for cystomanometry and urethral pressure profile
- Tiemann-tipped three-lumen catheters for cystomanometry and urethral pressure profile
- Balloon catheters for abdominal pressure detection
Bel products meet all necessary medical device certification requirements, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
