Kidney stones: painful and common--but preventable

Kidney stones are among the more common and painful urological disorders, affecting approximately 10% of Americans. While most stones pass spontaneously, obstructions result in renal colic, often requiring aggressive management of pain. If obstructions persist, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be required for a stone's removal. Recurrence rates are high, and prevention includes increased fluid intake, dietary restrictions, and the use of pharmacotherapy. Stone recurrence increases with age, underscoring the importance of prevention for those 60 years of age and older.