Kidney stones are deposits of salts and minerals that form inside the body1. They can be caused by factors such as dehydration, family history of kidney stones, obesity, and a diet high in protein and salt2. Some stones stay in the kidney and do not cause any symptoms, while others can travel down the ureter, reach the bladder, and pass out of the body via urine2. If a stone gets stuck in the ureter, it can block the urine flow from that kidney and cause pain in the lower back, groin, or abdomen2.
Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on their size. Small stones can often pass naturally with the help of hydration and certain medications2. Larger stones may require surgical procedures such as Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL), Ureteroscopy (URS), and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
