What are the common causes of kidney stones?

Kidney stones can be caused by various factors including recurrent infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs), hot climate leading to increased concentration of solutes in urine, dehydration due to inadequate water intake, metabolic causes such as hyperparathyroidism and gout, immobility or sedentary lifestyle, presence of Randall’s plaques, renal anomalies like PUJ obstruction, family history of stone formation, and certain drugs.

Does diet affect the formation of kidney stones?              

Yes, diet can affect the formation of kidney stones. Not drinking enough water, having a diet rich in red meat, dry fruits, calcium, and oxalates can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

What are the treatment options for kidney stone removal?

There are several treatment options for kidney stone removal, including:

ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy): This procedure uses shock waves to break kidney stones into small pieces that can pass through the urinary tract and be excreted from the body.

URS (Ureteroscopy): In this procedure, a ureteroscope is passed through the urethra and into the ureter to remove a stone using a laser.

RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery): This is a procedure for performing surgery within the kidney using a flexible ureteroscope to remove upper ureter and small kidney stones.

PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): This is a minimally invasive procedure in which large kidney stones are removed through a small incision in the skin.

The choice of treatment option depends on various factors such as the size, location, and composition of the kidney stone, as well as the overall health and condition of the patient, and is determined by a healthcare professional.