Kidney stones are a common urinary disease that occurs when minerals in urine crystallize and deposit on the kidney. A study by MSc. Nguyen Truong Hoan from the Department of Urology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City found that 1-13% of the world’s population has kidney stones, with 2-12% of the Vietnamese population affected, and 40% of these being kidney stones.
Treatment for kidney stones depends on various factors such as size, location, and complexity. For small stones measuring between 4-6 mm, medication and increased water intake can help dissolve and shrink them so they can be excreted through urine. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive method that uses shock wave energy to break up kidney stones, while percutaneous and endoscopic lithotripsy are minimally invasive methods that involve inserting a laser device to crush and remove stones.
In some cases, open surgery may be necessary for large and complicated stones. However, this method is highly invasive and carries risks of complications, so it is not the preferred option. After treatment, patients are advised to make lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, limiting certain foods and substances, exercising regularly, and having regular check-ups to detect any recurrent stones early on.
Individuals experiencing symptoms like severe back pain, hematuria (blood in urine), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination, cloudy urine, fever or chills should seek medical attention immediately as they may be at risk of developing urinary tract diseases like kidney stones. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent dangerous complications and preserve kidney function.