Treatment patterns for urolithiasis and renal colic-like pain symptoms in Poland: The POLSTONE Study

The aim of this study was to determine population-level treatment patterns for urolithiasis and renal colic-like pain symptoms in Poland.

We used data from POLSTONE, a survey representative of the entire Polish population stratified by age, sex, and place of residence. We identified and evaluated non-surgical and surgical treatment patterns for urolithiasis and renal colic-like pain symptoms.

In this nationally representative survey of 10,029 Polish adults, the lifetime prevalence of urolithiasis was 12.85% (n = 1,289) and 43.05% (n = 4,317) reported renal colic-like pain symptoms. Ultrasound was the most used diagnostic method for urolithiasis (73.78%; n = 951), followed by computed tomography (22.11%; n = 285). Conservative treatment predominated in the management of urolithiasis, with 58.73% (n = 757) of patients receiving prescription drugs and 29.87% (n = 385) using over-the-counter medications. Among surgical interventions, transurethral procedures were most frequent (13.42%; n = 173), followed by shockwave lithotripsy (11.48%; n = 148), laparoscopic or open surgery (6.75%; n = 87), and percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (6.05%; n = 78). Physicians gave preventive advice to 88.98% (n = 1,147) of respondents who had urolithiasis, most often recommending increased fluid intake (58.65%; n = 756). For renal colic-like pain, medications were the mainstay of treatment, with nearly 90% of patients reporting satisfaction. Some treatment patterns varied by age, sex, and/or residence, highlighting the influence of sociodemographic factors on care.

This study offers the first in-depth, population-level evaluation of how urolithiasis and renal colic-like pain symptoms are treated in Poland. The results can guide healthcare policy, support cost-effectiveness studies, and inform targeted strategies for management of urolithiasis and renal colic-like pain symptoms.