Kidney stone analysis, blood tests, and urinalysis all assist a physician in determining how best to avoid the development of future stones. Calcium stones are most common, comprising between 80 and 90 percent of urinary caliculi. The calcium stones are formed from calcium phosphate or calcium oxalate, and persons predisposed to developing these stones are often instructed to decrease calcium and oxalate intake. In some cases, medications are prescribed that decrease calcium excretion by the kidneys or alter urine pH, a factor in kidney stone formation. The pain associated with the blockage of the urinary tract by a kidney stone is called renal colic and can be very intense.
Treatment depends primarily on the size of the stone.
Stones smaller than 5 mm are usually passed without assistance, and passage is facilitated by drinking plenty of water. Larger stones can be pulverized with shockwaves or surgically removed depending on the size and the location of the stone. Sometimes, a stone within a ureter is removed by inserting a fiberoptic device through the urethra and ureter and either grabbing or destroying the stone. Questions List the components of the urinary tract from the renal pelvis outward. Enter your answer here.