Management of kidney stones
BMJ 2007; 334 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39113.480185.80 (Published 01 March 2007) Cite this as: BMJ 2007;334:468
- Nicole L Miller, fellow in endourology and minimally invasive surgery,
- James E Lingeman, physician and surgeon
- Methodist Hospital Institute for Kidney Stone Disease, Indiana University School of Medicine, and International Kidney Stone Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Correspondence to: J E Lingeman jlingeman{at}clarian.org
Urolithiasis affects 5-15% of the population worldwide.1 w1 Recurrence rates are close to 50%,2 w2 and the cost of urolithiasis to individuals and society is high. Acute renal colic is a common presentation in general practice, so a basic understanding of its evaluation and treatment would be useful. Most of the literature is retrospective, but we will try to provide an evidence based review of the management of urolithiasis and will cite prospective randomised controlled trials when available.
Summary points
Unenhanced helical computed tomography is the best radiographic technique for diagnosing urolithiasis
Shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy have replaced open surgery for treating urolithiasis
Most simple renal calculi (80-85%) can be treated with shock wave lithotripsy
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the treatment of choice for complex renal calculi
Staghorn calculi should be treated, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy is the preferred treatment in most patients
Ureteroscopy is the preferred treatment in pregnant, morbidly obese, or patients with coagulopathy
Most ureteral calculi <5 mm in diameter will pass spontaneously within four weeks of the onset of symptoms
Sources and selection criteria
We performed a literature search to identify information on the management of urolithiasis
We searched databases including Medline and the Cochrane Library to assemble appropriate evidence based reference material
What is the clinical presentation and initial evaluation?
Initial evaluation of the patient with urolithiasis should include a complete medical history and physical examination. Typical symptoms of acute renal colic are intermittent colicky flank pain that may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin, often associated with nausea and vomiting.3 Lower urinary tract symptoms such as dysuria, urgency, and frequency may occur once a stone enters the ureter.
Comorbid diseases should be identified, particularly any systemic illnesses that might increase the risk of kidney stone formation or that might influence the clinical course of the disease (box 1). Other important features are a …
Log in
Log in using your username and password
Log in through your institution
Subscribe from £173 *
Subscribe and get access to all BMJ articles, and much more.
* For online subscription
Access this article for 1 day for:
£38 / $45 / €42 (excludes VAT)
You can download a PDF version for your personal record.