Get the signal & treat it right

Ureteral stones are stones that are stuck in one of the ureters. Excess concentration of minerals and salts would cause stones, and the blockage would lead to severe pain. Most of the stones are calcium-based. 

Symptoms of ureteral stone 

If the stones are tiny, then it would pass through the urinary system. Whereas, the large stones that block the ureter or any of the kidney’s drainage tubes may show certain signs such as:

• Severe pain - there would be severe, intermittent pain in the back and under the lower ribs. This would gradually spread to the lower abdomen as well
• Blood - there could be a sudden presence of blood in the urine 
• Sickness - fever and chills would be common for people with stones. This would lead to nausea and vomiting as well
• Urination - there will be a lot of struggle to urinate properly. At times there would be an urgency to urinate and becomes difficult to control 

Treatment of ureteral stone 

The most common test for ureteral stone would include ultrasound and CT scans. These tests would help to diagnose location, number, size of the stone, and degree of obstruction to the urinary tract, and status of degree function. The treatment would depend on the size, locations, and the substances from which the stones are formed. 

1. Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) - The shock waves would travel through the skin and body tissues so that it would hit the dense stones. The stones would be broken into tiny particles and can be easily passed through the urinary system. This would be helpful only for small stones within the kidney. 

2. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) - With the help of small incisions on the back, a tunnel would be created directly into the kidney. Using nephroscope, the doctor will locate and remove the stones. For large stones, the doctor might use tools that could break these into small particles. 

3. Ureteroscopic stone removal - Using ureteroscope, the doctor will locate and remove the stone in the middle and lower ureters. The stent would be placed in the urinary system for the stone particles to pass and will be removed when the system is free of stone. 

4. Flexible ureteroscopy & laser lithotripsy - This treatment is considered suitable for stones within the interior of the kidney known as calyces and stone close to the kidney. The doctor would pass an extended thin scope through the urethral opening up to the kidney. The interior of the kidney will be examined, and the doctor would treat the stones by using laser energy delivered by a fiber. There is no incision made as an endoscope is used to perform the procedure.

It is always better to drink enough fluids daily and maintain a proper diet to avoid unnecessary health issues and other complications.

Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan
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