Kidney stones are a common urinary disease that occurs when minerals in urine crystallize and deposit. A study conducted by MSc. Nguyen Truong Hoan from the Department of Urology at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, found that kidney stones affect 1-13% of the world’s population, with 2-12% of the Vietnamese population being affected. In fact, 40% of those who have kidney stones are in Vietnam.
Treatment for kidney stones depends on several factors such as size, location, and complexity. Small stones measuring between 4-6 mm can be treated with medication and increased water intake to dissolve and shrink them so they can be excreted through urine. Another non-invasive method for breaking up kidney stones is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses shockwave energy to break up the stones. Percutaneous and endoscopic lithotripsy are also minimally invasive methods that involve inserting a laser device to crush and remove the stones.
In some cases, open surgery may be necessary for larger and more complex kidney stones. However, this method is highly invasive and carries risks of complications, so it is not the preferred option. After treatment, patients are advised to make lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding certain foods and substances, exercising regularly, and having regular check-ups to detect any recurring stones early on.
People experiencing symptoms like severe back pain, hematuria (blood in urine), recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), painful urination, cloudy urine, fever or chills should seek medical attention immediately as they may be at risk of developing urinary tract diseases like kidney stones. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent dangerous complications and preserve kidney function.