Why is it necessary to perform a calculation analysis?

A kidney stone, also known as renal calculus, is a solid mass formed by crystals that clump together in the kidneys. These stones can vary in size and composition, and often cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract. There is an 80% chance of developing another stone once you have already had one. ¹ Therefore, it is essential that these stones are analyzed to prevent future kidney problems and ensure appropriate treatment.

According to the clinical guidelines of the European Association of Urology, everyone who has formed a kidney stone should have its composition analyzed at least once.

A complete stone analysis is the first step after passing or having a kidney stone removed, as it will allow you to:

1. Identify the kidney stone's composition: Stones can be made of different substances (calcium, uric acid, oxalate, or cystine). Knowing the stone's composition is key to establishing the most effective treatment and, above all, to preventing the formation of new stones.
2. Prevent the recurrence of more stones: As explained above, there is more than an 80% chance of having another kidney stone within 10 years. By knowing the type of stone, dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and the intake of products with ingredients that help reduce the risk of future episodes can be adopted. ²
3. Control possible underlying problems: In some cases, the formation of kidney stones may be related to underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or metabolic disorders. A detailed analysis of the stone can provide clues about these problems and allow for comprehensive treatment to address not only the stones but also the conditions that may be contributing to their formation. ³

Therefore, kidney stone analysis is fundamental to understanding the causes of its formation, determining the type of stone, and preventing future episodes. This analysis not only helps treat existing stones but is also crucial for identifying metabolic disorders or underlying diseases that could be contributing to the problem. With an accurate diagnosis, patients can receive personalized recommendations to reduce the risk of recurrence and protect long-term kidney health.

References:

*1 Stamatelou, K. K., et al. (2003). "The prevalence and incidence of kidney stones in the United States." JAMA, 289(3), 300-303.

*2 Vila, J., et al. (2015). "The role of stone analysis in the management of urolithiasis." Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 30(6), 874-879.

*3 Pak, C. Y. (2010). "Kidney stones: pathophysiology and medical management." The Lancet, 375(9717), 467-479.