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Jack D. Francis, M.D., F.A.C.S. STONE DISEASE: What are kidney stones?Stones in all parts of the urinary tract, kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra, have plagued mankind forever. The first recorded evidence of urinary tract stones is in Egyptian mummies dated to 4800 B.C. The first recorded operation for stones was in the 12th century B.C. Stones can occur anywhere in the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters ( the tube from the kidneys to the bladder), bladder, prostate, and urethra ( the tube from the bladder to the tip of the penis or the opening in the vagina). They have been a major source of pain, infection, kidney damage, and death throughout history. Until the 1980’s urinary stones were a major cause of urologic surgery. Much research has been done on the incidence, causes, and treatment of stones over the years. This article will review these topics with special emphasis on one of the major technological advances in the history of medicine: shock-wave lithotripsy, (ESWL). Although it is known that hereditary factors are important in certain types of urinary tract stones, it appears that dietary and environmental factors may be equally as critical, as it is not unusual for spouses of stone formers to have to form stones as well. Stones are more common in males by a factor of three, and are more common from 20 to 40 years of age. The United States has a relatively high incidence of kidney stones for its population, with the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast being the so-called stone belt. Temperature and humidity also seem to play a role. While there is universal agreement that high fluid intake is important in prevention of stones, there is more controversy regarding diet although it would seem logical that dietary factors would contribute to stone formation. Most urinary tract stones originate as crystals in the kidney, grow within the kidney, and then migrate or pass through the urinary tract. Stones can also start and/or grow within the bladder. Bladder stones are often associated with chronic urinary blockage or infection, or severe protein starvation sometimes seen in the third world. Prostate stones grow within the prostate, probably as a result of infection. Prostate stones do not migrate or pass. |
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[Home] Werner - Francis Urology Associates llc - Mid Atlantic Urology Associates llc Greenbelt - Bowie - Laurel Maryland (301) 441-8900 Fax (301) 982 0453 7500 Hanover Parkway Suite 206 Greenbelt, MD 20770
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