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[The small urinary calculus: natural course and current treatment concepts]
W A Hübner1, P Irby, M L Stoller
1Urologischen Abteilung, Krankenhauses Wien-Lainz.
Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 1, 1995
Summary
Urinary calculi (stones) often pass spontaneously, but renal pelvis or calix stones risk infection and growth. Ureteral stones can cause rapid complications, prompting early intervention with new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Urology
Context:
- Urinary calculi, or kidney stones, exhibit variable spontaneous passage rates (16-93%) influenced by size, symptom duration, and location within the collecting system.
- Stones in the renal pelvis or calix have a significant risk (up to 70%) of infection and enlargement over months to years.
- Conversely, ureteral stones pose a risk of complications within days to weeks.
Purpose:
- To review the natural history of urinary calculi and the evolving indications for intervention.
- To highlight the differential risks associated with renal versus ureteral stones.
- To underscore the impact of new minimally invasive treatments on stone management.
Summary:
- Spontaneous passage of urinary calculi varies widely based on stone characteristics and location.
- Renal stones (pelvis/calix) have a high propensity for infection and growth over time.
- Ureteral stones present a more acute risk of complications, necessitating timely intervention, especially with advancements in minimally invasive therapies.
Impact:
- Understanding stone behavior guides clinical decision-making for spontaneous passage versus active intervention.
- Minimally invasive techniques expand treatment options for smaller stones, potentially improving patient outcomes.
- This knowledge aids in managing patient expectations and tailoring treatment strategies for different types of urinary calculi.