Stone analyses and 24-hour urine evaluations are essential in helping patients understand the causes of their #kidneystones. Yet, many in our kidney stone patient community have never undergone any screening tests.

A recent Consensus Group led by the 4th International Meeting of the Menarini Foundation on Nephrolithiasis concluded that urologists should routinely conduct urine and stone analyses. Additionally, the Group also urges urologists to adhere to urological standards when collecting test samples. By incorporating kidney stone and urine analyses in your treatment plans, you can better advise and educate your patients on appropriate lifestyle changes!

Read more here on: Urine and stone analysis for the investigation of the renal stone former: a consensus conference

Many kidney stone patients suffer from frequent complications and pain after stent insertion, resulting in discomfort until the stent is removed. Based on AUA guidelines, ureteral stents can be omitted when certain criteria are met. Yet, 64% of the urologists around the world routinely insert ureteral stents after URS! ​
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Hearing about the inconvenience and pain caused by stents from fellow patients may cause fear in some patients. Ease their worries by sharing with them about the importance of a stent and how it will benefit them!​

*Source:

Surgical Management of Stones: American Urological Association/Endourological Society Guideline, PART I

Genetic influences play a major role in #kidneystone formation, especially for recurrent stone formers. A recent study published in Nature Reviews Urology highlighted that 30% of chronic kidney stone patients develop stones as a result of their monogenetic disorders!

Currently, the genetic drivers of this disease remain unknown. However, with the rapid advancements in genomic studies, #urologists can look forward to novel diagnoses and treatment measures for kidney stones in the near future.

Veganism has been on the rise for its apparent health and ethical benefits. Numerous stone patients have been converting to veganism in hopes that it will support their kidney stone disease management. However, recent research suggests that vegan diets may actually be detrimental for stone patients!​
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Support your patients in their journey towards a healthier lifestyle by informing them about the benefits and risks of going fully vegan. Here is a patient-friendly, digestible article for your vegan stone patients to learn more about: Before You Go On Your Vegan Diet, Beware the Kidney Stone Risks!

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Fad diets and their effect on urinary stone formation

In a survey conducted on Worst Pain Ever®, the world’s largest kidney stone patient community, 49% of the respondents indicated that they experience significant stent pain. ​
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Similarly, our 2022 Global Urology Survey found that 1 in 3 patients believe that stents are more painful than kidney stones! ​

Read the report here: World Kidney Stone Day 

Pregnant women with kidney stones face a substantial increase in the risk of recurrent miscarriage, mild pre-eclampsia, and caesarean deliveries. While conservative stone management is often preferred, pregnant patients with larger stones may have to undergo more invasive procedures such as URS or the insertion of a nephrostomy tube. Renal stones may also present as preterm labor or uterine contractions, falsely worrying several women in our community. Their #kidneystone experience has left them feeling emotionally drained and fearful of stone-related complications that could arise and affect childbirth.

Urologists should work towards providing special attention and care to pregnant kidney stone patients to cater to their unique concerns.

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Renal stones in pregnancy