Urinary stones (urolithiasis) are a condition in which solid calculi form within the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. When urine becomes concentrated, substances such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid can crystallize and accumulate, leading to stone formation. Urinary stones are well known for causing severe pain, often described as sharp, stabbing pain similar to being pierced by a knife. During the summer, increased sweating can lead to dehydration and more concentrated urine, which raises the risk of stone formation.
There is a common belief that drinking beer may help pass urinary stones. While beer can temporarily increase urine output, excessive consumption may lead to dehydration, ultimately worsening stone passage. In addition, beer contains purines, which are metabolized into uric acid in the body. Elevated uric acid levels can contribute to stone formation, so caution is advised.
Treatment of urinary stones depends on their size and location. When stones are 4 mm or smaller, spontaneous passage is often possible with adequate hydration. It is important to increase fluid intake when pain is not severe, as forcing urine flow during intense pain may worsen discomfort due to ureteral obstruction. Therefore, consistent hydration—preferably with water or electrolyte solutions rather than alcohol—is the most effective approach for facilitating stone passage.
When stones are larger than 4 mm, spontaneous passage becomes less likely, and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is commonly considered. ESWL uses focused high-energy shock waves to break stones into smaller fragments from outside the body. However, many patients mistakenly believe that a single session is sufficient. In reality, multiple sessions are often required. According to national healthcare data, the average number of ESWL sessions needed to remove a urinary stone is approximately 2.7, meaning that two to three treatments are typically necessary.
If stones are not successfully treated after multiple ESWL sessions, or if their size and location make fragmentation difficult, ureteroscopic stone removal (URS) may be considered. URS is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an endoscope to directly visualize and remove stones, offering high success rates and rapid recovery. For example, a 58-year-old patient with a 2.5 cm kidney stone underwent approximately 20 sessions of ESWL at another clinic without success. After evaluation, multiple large proximal ureteral stones were identified, and complete removal was achieved through two URS procedures.
Urinary stones are associated with a high recurrence rate. Approximately 7% of patients experience recurrence within one year, and up to 50% within ten years. Preventing recurrence requires regular follow-up and consistent lifestyle management. Adequate hydration is essential, along with reduced sodium intake and moderation of animal protein consumption. In addition, metabolic evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of stone formation. Because risk factors vary between individuals, patients with recurrent stones or a family history should undergo thorough evaluation to establish personalized prevention strategies.
If a stone obstructs the ureter and blocks urine flow, it can impair kidney function and lead to complications such as hydronephrosis, renal failure, or urinary tract infection. Therefore, timely treatment is critical. Comprehensive care involves not only appropriate treatment selection but also access to advanced equipment and individualized management. Regular check-ups and ongoing preventive care are essential for maintaining long-term urinary health and reducing the risk of recurrence.