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Urinary tract stones are crystal formations made of dissolved minerals found in the kidneys, ureters or bladder. Scientists are not sure what causes kidney stones to form, but continue their research and investigation.
Sometimes kidney stones will pass naturally from a patient's body through the urine stream. However, stones can become too large to pass, and then require medical help or surgical interventions. These stones can obstruct urine flow, and the obstruction can be life-threatening.
There are a number of ways to treat stones. For instance, by using small, flexible or rigid endoscopes and a variety of stone-fragmenting devices, stones located virtually anywhere in the urinary tract can be accessed, fragmented and removed. In another procedure, a lithotripter uses shock waves to destroy stones.
Please visit the Health Library to learn more about kidney stones and endourology.
