Sometimes “silent” stones—those that do not cause symptoms—are found on x rays taken during a general health exam. If the stones are small, they will often pass out of the body unnoticed. Often, kidney stones are found on an x ray or ultrasound taken of someone who complains of blood in the urine or sudden pain. These diagnostic images give the doctor valuable information about the stone’s size and location. Blood and urine tests help detect any abnormal substance that might promote stone formation. The doctor may decide to scan the urinary system using a special test called a computerized tomography (CT) scan or an intravenous pyelogram (IVP). The results of all these tests help determine the proper treatment. Fortunately, surgery is not usually necessary. Most kidney stones can pass through the urinary system with plenty of water—2 to 3 quarts a day—to help move the stone along. Often, the patient can stay home during this process, drinking fluids and taking pain medication as needed. The doctor usually asks the patient to save the passed stone(s) for testing. It can be caught in a cup or tea strainer used only for this purpose.

Answered by Meera , an ibibo Master, at 7:41 PM on October 31, 2007

Diagnosis is usually made on the basis of the location and severity of the pain, which is typically colic in nature. Radiological imaging is used to confirm the diagnosis and a number of other tests can be undertaken to help establish both the possible cause and consequences of the stone. Ultrasound imaging is also useful as it will give details about the presence of hydronephrosis. It can also be used to show the kidneys during pregnancy when standard x-rays are discouraged. About 10% of stones do not have enough calcium to be seen on standard x-rays (radiolucent stones) and may show up on ultrasound although they typically are seen on CT scans. Clinical examinations includes, microscopic study of urine, which may show proteins, red blood cells, pus cells, cellular casts and crystals. Culture of a urine sample to exclude urine infection. Blood tests: Full blood count for the presence of a raised white cell count (Neutrophilia) suggestive of infection, a check of renal function and if raised blood calcium blood levels (hypercalcaemia). 24 hour urine collection to measure total daily urinary volume, magnesium, sodium, uric acid, calcium, citrate, oxalate and phosphate. Around 90% of stones 4 mm or less in size usually will pass spontaneously, however the majority of stones greater than 6 mm will require some form of intervention. Immediate surgery may be required in certain situations such as in people with only one working kidney, intractable pain or in the presence of an infected kidney blocked by a stone which can rapidly cause severe sepsis and toxic shock. One modern medical technique uses a ureter stent to provide some relief of a blocked kidney. This is especially useful in saving a failing kidney due to swelling and infection from the stone.

Answered by cuteguy , an ibibo Master, at 1:36 AM on October 31, 2007

The symptoms of kidney stones are abdominal pain mostly and difficulty passing urine.

Answered by sateesh at 9:55 AM on October 30, 2007

Doctors can usually diagnose kidney stones by asking about your symptoms and examining you. Further tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis and to reveal the size, location and type of stone. However, if there is an infection, a blockage, or a risk of kidney damage, you will receive treatment to remove your stone. Infections can be treated with antibiotics. Stones that are stuck can be removed in several ways: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) This is the most common method of dealing with kidney stones. The kidney stone is located using X-ray imaging or ultrasound scanning. While you are lying down, a machine called a lithotriptor sends targeted shock waves to break up the kidney stone into crystals small enough to be passed in your urine. You may feel some pain as the stone breaks up, so the procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia. Ureteroscopic stone removal If a stone is lodged in the ureter, a narrow, flexible instrument called a cystoscope can be passed up through the urethra and bladder. The stone is captured and removed, or broken up with a laser beam or shock waves generated by a device attached at the end of the cytoscope. This procedure is usually done under a general anaesthetic. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Large stones can be surgically removed from the kidney. The surgeon makes a small cut in your back and uses a telescopic instrument called a nephroscope to pull the stone out or break it up with shock waves or a laser. blood tests - to identify excess amounts of certain chemicals related to the formation of stones urine analysis - to look for signs of infection taking an X-ray image - stones that contain calcium usually show up white on X-ray images an intravenous urogram (IVU) - this involves an injection of a special dye that shows up the whole urinary system on X-ray images, revealing stones that can't usually be seen ultrasound scan - this uses high frequency sound waves to produce an image of the internal organs non-contrast helical computerised tomography - this produces pictures from a series of X-ray images taken at different angles - it is sometimes used to diagnose kidney stones, and is thought to be the most accurate diagnostic test

Answered by mrmister , an ibibo Citizen, at 12:24 AM on October 30, 2007

Through blood test, urine test, ultrasound or even x-ray, they can diagnose the presence of stones in the kidneys.For most people, surgery is not resorted to. They drink lots of water and make the stones smaller thus.Most stones can be treated without surgery. Also by staying physically active they are advised to move stones smaller than about five millimetres out of your body. As the reason for the pain caused by kidney stones is the jagged edges of the large stones. In severe cases that needs attention doctors give medicines and antibiotics, by which the edges are softened or made smooth, and then the stones are gradually made smaller into sand like particles, by which the pain subsides gradually.

Answered by Writer , an ibibo Master, at 5:45 PM on October 29, 2007