Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment Methods
Kidney stones form when minerals in urine crystallize. Severe flank pain, blood in urine and nausea are the most common symptoms. Modern treatment options available in Izmir.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are solid masses formed when minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in urine crystallize inside the kidneys. In Turkey, 1 in 10 people develops kidney stones at some point in their life. They are 2-3 times more common in men than women.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
- Renal colic: Sudden, severe, wave-like pain in the flank and back
- Radiating pain: Pain spreading to the groin and lower abdomen
- Blood in urine (hematuria): Pink, red, or brown urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urination and burning sensation
- Fever and chills: When infection develops (requires emergency care)
Causes and Risk Factors
- Insufficient fluid intake (less than 2 liters per day)
- Dietary habits: excess salt, animal protein, oxalate-rich foods
- Genetic predisposition
- Obesity
- Hot climate (increased dehydration risk)
- Metabolic diseases: hyperparathyroidism, gout
Types of Kidney Stones
- Calcium oxalate stones (70-80%): Most common type
- Uric acid stones (5-10%): Associated with gout
- Struvite stones (10-15%): Related to urinary tract infections
- Cystine stones (1-2%): Genetic cause
Treatment Methods
Conservative treatment: 80% of stones smaller than 5mm pass spontaneously with increased water intake and pain medication.
ESWL: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for stones smaller than 2 cm.
URS: Ureteroscopic stone surgery using laser through the urinary tract. No incision required.
PNL: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for stones larger than 2 cm.
Kidney Stone Treatment in Izmir
Prof. Dr. Orçun Çelik offers all modern kidney stone treatment methods at Izmir Bazekol Hospital, providing effective solutions for kidney stones of all sizes.
