Urinary stones are one of the relatively common urological diseases. According to domestic reports, the lifetime prevalence probability is known to be about 8.8%, with men showing a trend of being about 2 to 3 times more common than women. Recently, female patients are also gradually increasing due to factors such as changes in dietary habits, insufficient water intake, and increased obesity and metabolic diseases.
According to Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service statistics, the number of urinary stone (N20) patients in 2024 was tallied at approximately 310,000, with those in the active age groups of 30s to 50s accounting for about 40%. This indicates a relatively high proportion among age groups with high activity levels.
Urinary stones cause pain as stones formed in the kidneys move along the ureter. If the stones irritate or block the ureter, sudden and intense flank pain may appear, often accompanied by hematuria, vomiting, cold sweats, and frequent urination. Since symptoms often occur acutely, it is important to determine an appropriate treatment plan after accurate diagnosis.
Treatment methods vary depending on the size and location of the stone and the patient's symptoms. Generally, for small stones of 4mm or less, natural expulsion through water intake and medication can be expected. However, if pain persists or if the possibility of natural expulsion is judged to be low, interventional treatment is considered.
A representative non-surgical treatment method is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). This is a method that induces fragmentation by concentrating shock waves generated outside the body onto the stone site. It can be performed within a relatively short time, and in some cases, hospitalization is not required. However, temporary hematuria or pain may occur during the process of stone fragments being expelled after the procedure, with differences in symptom levels among individuals.
Fragmentation methods differ for each device. The traditional Spark Gap type is a method that delivers strong energy, while the Magnetic type generated shock waves through electromagnetic fields. According to Director Hocheol Choi of Goldman Urology Clinic (Dongtan Branch), as suitability can vary depending on device characteristics and patient condition, it is advisable to choose a treatment method after sufficient consultation.
ESWL is not applicable to all patients. For patients taking anticoagulants or those with concomitant urinary tract infection or hydronephrosis, the condition must be managed first before considering treatment. In cases where the stone is large or located in a complex position, endoscopic removal using a ureteroscope may be selected.
Director Hocheol Choi explained, "Urinary stones have a possibility of recurrence even after treatment, so it is important to manage lifestyle through stone component analysis and metabolic evaluation. Especially during periods of rising temperatures, dehydration can easily occur, so sufficient water intake can be helpful."