Urolithiasis refers to stones formed when specific substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid solidify during the process of urine being excreted from the body through the ureters, bladder, and urethra. In essence, it is a disease characterized by the formation of stones in the urinary tract. It is a common urological condition in Korea, known to have a deep association with age, dietary habits, and metabolic diseases.
The symptoms of urolithiasis vary depending on the size and location of the stone, but most cases are accompanied by severe pain. Sudden, unbearable pain may appear in the flank or lower abdomen, sometimes recurring intermittently. In addition, various gastrointestinal symptoms such as hematuria, nausea, and abdominal distension can occur simultaneously. Depending on the stone's location, it can lead to complications such as obstruction of urine outflow or impaired kidney function. Therefore, if urolithiasis is suspected, it is advisable to visit a urology department without delay for a precise diagnosis.
Treatment is determined by considering the stone's size, location, composition, and the patient's overall systemic condition. For small stones, natural expulsion can be expected with sufficient fluid intake and medication. However, if the stone is large or symptoms recur, surgical treatment such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) or endoscopic surgery may be necessary.
Recently, with the introduction of robotic surgery in urolithiasis treatment, treatment outcomes have been further improved. The surgical robot system 'Zamenix' consists of a 2.8mm flexible endoscope and a control console, which helps physicians access the inside of the kidney through the urethra without direct incision to remove stones. Above all, its key advantage is a superior stone removal rate compared to existing treatment methods.
Zamenix is equipped with several AI-based functions, enhancing surgical accuracy and stability. These technologies include a respiratory compensation function that automatically corrects for stone movement due to patient breathing, assistance in determining stone size, prevention of ureteral damage, and automatic restoration of the endoscope's path. This allows for reduced medical staff fatigue even during repeated surgeries, and simultaneously improves both patient safety and recovery speed. Such robotic surgery minimizes scarring compared to conventional surgical methods. Furthermore, the ability to achieve rapid recovery and return to daily life within 1 to 3 days is also a significant advantage.
However, to prevent the recurrence of urolithiasis, it is essential to maintain a habit of consistently drinking more than 2 liters of water daily. Additionally, high-protein and high-salt diets should be avoided as they can increase the risk of stone formation by promoting calcium excretion and increasing urine acidity. As such, urolithiasis has a high recurrence rate, necessitating continuous management through adequate fluid intake, dietary control, and regular check-ups even after surgery.
Dr. Min Seung-ki, director of Goldman Urology Jamsil Branch, stated, "With the introduction of robotic surgery like Zamenix, kidney stones and urolithiasis can now be removed more safely and effectively." He added, "Urolithiasis is a disease that can be prevented and its recurrence avoided through appropriate diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle improvements. It is important to remember that alongside advancements in treatment technology, consistent self-management by the patient is also crucial."