Tag Archives: calculus

How many days of hospitalization are needed after minimally invasive lithotripsy?

In general, minimally invasive lithotripsy requires 5–7 days of hospitalization. When extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) fails to clear the stones, minimally invasive lithotripsy is performed. This involves making a small puncture in the skin to insert a special instrument that delivers holmium laser energy directly onto the stone surface. The success rate is high because the laser effectively fragments most stones, allowing the fragments to pass out naturally. For ureteral stones, a cystoscope can be passed through the bladder into the ureter to reach the stone, and holmium laser lithotripsy is then performed. Although effective, the procedure may cause minor... Learn more

How long does it usually take for a stone lodged in the urethra to come out?

A stone impacted in the urethra usually needs at least three days to pass spontaneously. If it cannot move, fragmentation is required; the exact clearance time varies from person to person. The urethra has three natural narrow points. A stone that is too large becomes impacted, causing obstruction and local inflammatory edema. Copious fluid intake is encouraged to drive the calculus downward. Once the stone starts to migrate, complete expulsion usually occurs within about 72 h. For stones that fail to move: Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is performed; afterward, most fragments pass with increased hydration. If ESWL is unsuccessful, holmium-laser... Learn more

Can drinking too much tea cause stones?

People in many countries drink tea every day. They love the gentle lift and the warm taste. Yet some worry that too much tea might raise the risk of kidney stones. This fear is not new. Doctors in China often meet patients who ask the same question after hearing it from friends or social media. The short answer is: for most healthy adults, normal tea drinking does not cause stones. Still, the story has a few twists. What exactly is a kidney stone A kidney stone is a tiny crystal that forms inside the kidney. It can be as small... Learn more

Is it a myth that pumpkin vines can cure stones?

The claim that pumpkin vines can cure stones is false.Although folk remedies promote pumpkin vine as a stone-dissolving agent, no scientific study has ever validated this effect. Relying solely on such folklore delays proper care. Therapy must be tailored to stone size, location, shape, and the presence of obstruction or infection. After imaging (KUB film or non-contrast CT) clarifies these features, management options are: High fluid intake – increases urinary flow to flush out small stones. Moderate exercise – stair-climbing or rope-jumping helps propulsion. Drugs – α-blockers (tamsulosin, silodosin) relax the ureter and relieve colic; traditional stone-expelling powders (e.g., Pai-Shi... Learn more

Where in the human body can stones (calculi) form?

Commonly, stones (calculi) form in the urinary system, the biliary system, and on teeth. Less frequent sites include the eyes, stomach, pancreas, and bronchi. The main locations are outlined below. Urinary system– Kidney, ureter, bladder, and urethral stones.– Exact cause unknown; both external and internal factors raise the concentration of calcium-containing solutes and matrix in urine, promoting crystallization.– Small stones: oral medical expulsion therapy.– Medium-sized or non-severe obstruction: extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).– Large or heavily obstructed stones with infection: minimally invasive surgery (ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, etc.). Biliary systema) Gallbladder stones: linked to hormonal changes, obesity, chronic high-fat diet; treated with... Learn more