Urolithiasis – Pathogenesis, Presentation, and Management

Kidney stones (urolithiasis): causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention—learn how to spot symptoms, get the right imaging, and choose effective therapies. This video explains stone types—calcium oxalate/phosphate, struvite, urate, and cystine—why stones form from urine oversaturation, and which risk factors and infections drive each type. You’ll learn classic presentations like sudden flank-to-groin (loin-to-groin) colic, nausea, microscopic hematuria, and when fever or sepsis signals emergency care.

Watch to understand diagnostic priorities: non-contrast CT KUB as the gold standard, ultrasound for hydronephrosis screening, and when plain X-ray is useful. The episode details bedside testing (urine dip, culture, bloods including renal function, calcium, urate) and the value of stone analysis for targeted prevention. Management focuses on urgent stabilization—fluids, analgesia (NSAIDs), and antibiotics if infected—plus indications for admission, decompression (ureteric stent or nephrostomy), and definitive stone removal.

Explore definitive treatments—ESWL (shockwave lithotripsy), ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for large/staghorn calculi—plus complications to watch for, including post-renal AKI and recurrent stone-related renal scarring. Practical prevention advice covers hydration, dietary oxalate/salt/purine reduction, serum calcium and PTH checks, and urate-lowering therapy where appropriate. A brief section covers bladder stones from urinary stasis and their management.

Whether you’re a clinician, student, or patient seeking clear guidance on kidney stone care, this concise, clinically focused guide arms you with the symptoms, workup, interventions, and prevention strategies to act promptly and reduce recurrence. Watch now to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.