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Urinary stone disease - assessment and management
1MBBS(Hons), FRCSEd, FRACS(Urol), is Conjoint Senior Lecturer in Surgery, University of Newcastle and visiting medical officer, Department of Urology, Gosford Hospital, New South Wales.
Australian Family Physician
|October 18, 2011
Summary
Urinary stones are common, and while many pass naturally, intervention is needed for severe pain, infection, or kidney damage. General practitioners play a key role in assessing and managing these conditions to prevent recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- General Practice
Background:
- Urinary stones affect 10% of Australians, with most passing spontaneously.
- Intervention is necessary for complications like pain, renal impairment, and infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the general practitioner's role in assessing and managing urinary stones.
- To guide initial management and identify indications for specialist referral.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature and clinical guidelines for urinary stone management.
- Focus on diagnostic assessment, conservative management, and indications for intervention.
Main Results:
- Assessment should determine stone characteristics influencing spontaneous passage.
- Conservative management with alpha-blockers is recommended for uncomplicated colic.
- Urgent intervention is required for septic patients, persistent pain, or significant renal impairment.
Conclusions:
- General practitioners are crucial in the initial assessment and management of urinary stones.
- Prompt recognition of complications and appropriate referral are vital.
- Recurrence is common, necessitating preventative strategies like hydration and dietary modification.
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