Urinary stone disease Assessment and management

Discussion

The assessment of acute stone disease should determine the location, number and size of the stone(s), which influence its likelihood of spontaneous passage. Conservative management, with the addition of alpha blockers to facilitate passage of lower ureteric stones, should be attempted in cases of uncomplicated renal colic. Septic patients require urgent drainage and antibiotics. Other indications for referral and intervention include ongoing pain, renal impairment and stone size unlikely to pass spontaneously. There are many ways to eliminate stones, but laser lithotripsy is being used with increasing frequency. Up to 50% of people with a first presentation of stone disease will have a recurrence within 5 years. General advice for stone prevention consists of increasing fluid intake, especially water (sufficient to maintain dilute urine output), avoiding added salt and maintaining a well balanced low oxalate diet. Some patients may require a more detailed metabolic assessment and specific dietary advice.