OVERVIEW OF RENAL STONES ETIOLOGY, MANAGEMENT, AND PATIENT RECOMMENDATIONS

Background: Renal stones can form in different parts of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The stones are typically composed of minerals and salts that have crystallized and fused together. Renal stone is often associated with factors such as an imbalance in the substances that make up urine, leading to the precipitation and aggregation of minerals. The stones can vary in size, and their presence in the urinary tract can cause symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, depending on the location and size of the stones.

Objective: This review will review the most recent medical literature on renal stone etiology, management, and recommendations.

Methods: Comprehensive research on the renal stone etiology, management, and recommendations. PUBMED and Google Scholar search engines were the databases used for the search process, and articles were collected from 2000 to 2023. The term used in the search were: renal stone, etiology, pathophysiology, management, prevention.

Conclusion: Renal stone, or urolithiasis, involves the formation of stones in the urinary tract, posing a common health issue with multifactorial causes. Mechanisms include a urine biochemical imbalance, leading to supersaturation, nucleation, and crystal aggregation. Presentations range from asymptomatic to painful symptoms. Surgical management prevails, but the rising prevalence poses health and economic challenges. Stone types like calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine have distinct etiologies involving metabolic syndrome, genetic factors, and various medical conditions. Diagnosis integrates clinical evaluation and imaging, primarily non-contrast CT scans. Treatments include NSAIDs, surgical interventions, and homeopathic options. Prevention emphasizes lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and medication use.

Keywords: renal stone, etiology, pathophysiology, management, prevention.