Urinary stones are hard deposits formed when substances such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid crystallize during the process in which urine passes through the ureters, bladder, and urethra before being expelled from the body. In other words, the condition refers to stones forming within the urinary tract. It is a relatively common urologic disease in Korea and is known to be closely associated with age, dietary habits, and metabolic disorders.
Symptoms of urinary stones vary depending on the size and location of the stone, but most cases involve severe pain. Patients often experience sudden, intense pain in the flank or lower abdomen that can be difficult to tolerate and may occur intermittently. Additional symptoms may include hematuria, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating. Depending on the location of the stone, urine flow may become obstructed, potentially leading to complications such as decreased kidney function. For this reason, individuals who suspect urinary stones are advised to visit a urology clinic promptly for accurate diagnosis.
Treatment is determined by considering factors such as the size, location, and composition of the stone, as well as the patient’s overall health condition. Small stones may pass naturally with sufficient hydration and medication. However, if the stone is large or symptoms persist, surgical treatments such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or endoscopic surgery may be required.
In recent years, the introduction of robotic systems has further improved treatment outcomes for urinary stones. One such system, the surgical robot “Zamenix,” consists of a 2.8-mm flexible endoscope and a control console that allows physicians to access the kidney through the urethra without making surgical incisions and remove the stone directly. One of its key advantages is a higher stone removal rate compared with conventional treatment methods.
Zamenix incorporates several AI-based features that enhance surgical accuracy and safety. These include respiratory compensation technology that automatically corrects for stone movement caused by breathing, assistance in identifying stone size, mechanisms to prevent ureteral injury, and automatic restoration of the endoscope pathway. These functions help reduce surgeon fatigue during repeated procedures while improving patient safety and recovery speed. Compared with conventional surgical approaches, robotic procedures also minimize scarring and allow patients to recover and return to daily activities within one to three days.
However, preventing recurrence is also an important part of managing urinary stones. Patients are generally advised to drink at least two liters of water per day to maintain adequate hydration. Diet is also important, as high-protein and high-sodium diets can increase calcium excretion and urine acidity, raising the risk of stone formation. Because urinary stones have a relatively high recurrence rate, ongoing management—including adequate hydration, dietary adjustments, and regular check-ups—is essential even after treatment.
Dr. Min Seung-gi of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Jamsil branch explained that the introduction of robotic surgical systems such as Zamenix has made it possible to remove kidney and urinary stones more safely and effectively. He added that urinary stones are conditions that can be prevented and managed through proper diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and improved lifestyle habits, and emphasized that continuous patient self-management remains important alongside advances in medical technology.