Urinary stones are one of the relatively common urological conditions. According to domestic reports, the lifetime prevalence is estimated to be approximately 8.8 percent, with men developing the condition about two to three times more frequently than women. In recent years, however, the number of female patients has gradually increased, influenced by factors such as dietary changes, insufficient fluid intake, obesity, and the rising prevalence of metabolic disorders.
Statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service show that approximately 310,000 patients were diagnosed with urinary stones (N20) in 2024. Among them, individuals in their 30s to 50s accounted for about 40 percent of cases, indicating a relatively higher prevalence among the working-age population.
Urinary stones cause pain when stones formed in the kidney move along the ureter. If the stone irritates or blocks the ureter, sudden and severe flank pain may occur. Additional symptoms may include blood in the urine, vomiting, cold sweats, and frequent urination. Because symptoms often appear suddenly and can be intense, it is important to establish an accurate diagnosis and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment depends on the size and location of the stone as well as the patient’s symptoms. In general, small stones measuring 4 millimeters or less may pass naturally with increased fluid intake and medication. However, if pain persists or if natural passage is considered unlikely, interventional treatment may be recommended.
One of the most common non-surgical treatments is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This method focuses shock waves generated outside the body onto the stone to break it into smaller fragments. The procedure can usually be performed in a relatively short time and often does not require hospitalization. However, as the fragmented stones pass through the urinary tract after the procedure, temporary blood in the urine or pain may occur, and the degree of symptoms may vary among patients.
Different medical devices use different stone fragmentation mechanisms. Traditional spark-gap systems deliver strong energy to break stones, while magnetic-type devices generate shock waves using electromagnetic fields. According to Dr. Choi Hocheol of the Dongtan branch of Goldman Urology Clinic, the most suitable treatment approach may vary depending on both the equipment characteristics and the patient’s condition, so careful consultation is recommended before selecting a treatment method.
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is not appropriate for every patient. For example, patients taking anticoagulant medications or those with urinary tract infections or hydronephrosis may need their condition stabilized before treatment can be considered. When stones are large or located in complex positions, endoscopic removal using ureteroscopy may be selected instead.
Dr. Choi explained that urinary stones can recur even after treatment, making long-term prevention important. Analyzing the stone composition and performing metabolic evaluation can help guide lifestyle modifications to reduce recurrence risk. He also noted that dehydration is more likely during warmer seasons, so maintaining adequate fluid intake is particularly important when temperatures rise.