Ureteric stones, commonly known as ureteral stones, are a painful condition of unfiltered small, hard minerals that are formed in the kidneys and travel down the ureters. The narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder are known as ureters. While many people with ureteric stones pass them without complications, there are instances when these stones can lead to severe blockages and complications.
In this article, we will explore the various complications associated with ureteric stones and discuss when you should worry about blockages. Meanwhile, references taken from qualified urologists for affordable Ureteric Stone surgery Cost in Delhi like Dr. Niren Rao has made this post insightful.
Before delving into the complications, let’s first understand what ureteric stones are and how they form.
Understanding Ureteric Stones
The solid masses made of minerals and salts known as ureteric stones are the stones that are built up in the kidneys and are transferred to ureter. They often develop as a result of the crystallisation of these chemicals when there is an imbalance in the concentration of minerals in the urine. These crystals have the potential to develop into bigger stones with sizes ranging from microscopic grains to several centimetres over time.
A ureteric stone may persist there for some time without showing any signs of discomfort. The stone may, however, become stuck in the ureters if it begins to move, leading to a number of difficulties and symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Ureteric Stones
Before we explore the complications associated with ureteric stones, let’s briefly review the common symptoms that can indicate the presence of a stone:
- Severe Pain: Extreme agony, frequently referred to as the greatest pain a person has ever felt, is one of the defining signs of ureteric stones. The flank (the side of the belly) is where this discomfort, which is referred to as renal colic, often begins and from where it may extend to the lower abdomen and groin.
- Hematuria: Blood in the urine is yet another typical ureteric stone symptom. From microscopic traces to obvious red or brown coloring of urine, blood might be found.
- Urination Frequently: Ureteric stones can irritate the lining of the ureters and bladder, which results in a frequent need to urinate.
- Vomiting and Nausea: Some persons with ureteric stones experience nausea, frequently as a result of the excruciating pain.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): In some cases, ureteric stones can lead to urinary tract infections, which may cause symptoms like fever, chills, and pain while urinating.
Complications Associated with Ureteric Stones
While some individuals with ureteric stones can pass them with minimal discomfort, others may develop complications that require prompt medical attention. Here are some of the most common complications associated with ureteric stones:
- Obstruction: Perhaps the most significant complication of ureteric stones is the obstruction they can cause. When a stone becomes lodged in the narrow ureter, it can obstruct the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. Read more...
