Timely follow-up, imaging, and confirmation of kidney stone passes are important. Photograph used for representational purposes only
| Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Although kidney stones can occur any time of the year, they often appear more commonly in the summer, particularly in tropical nations like India. Patients with severe flank or stomach discomfort, commonly from a ureteric stone, are common in emergency rooms in States including Maharashtra, which is part of the country’s infamous ‘kidney stone belt.’
What happens to the kidneys in summer
There is evidence that kidney stones and summer are linked. Warmer months are associated with a higher prevalence of renal colic, according to multiple studies conducted globally. This science is simple – high temperatures cause insensible water loss through sweat, often without the person realising it. And this leads to urine pH alterations, decreased urine production, and concentrated urine. These elements play a role in the development of crystallized salts, especially uric acid, which eventually develop into kidney stones. Urinary colic is a severe, piercing pain when these stones block the ureter.
Smaller stones (<5mm) can commonly pass with medicine and fluids. However, many patients incorrectly believe that pain relief indicates the the stone has passed. Such a mistake in perception can be costly, as seen in a recent case at our hospital.
A case study
A 39-year-old homemaker had been suffering from a high-grade fever and right-sided flank pain for two weeks before visiting our emergency department. She had been diagnosed with an 8mm ureteric stone a year ago, but did not follow up, believing the stone had passed when her symptoms subsided. A CT scan revealed a grim picture: her right kidney was infected and had sustained near-complete destruction due to prolonged obstruction. To remove the infection and stabilise her, an emergency percutaneous nephrostomy was performed. Despite prompt intervention, additional tests revealed that the kidney was not functioning. The infected, non-functioning kidney was removed via a laparoscopic nephro-ureterectomy. She recovered quickly and was discharged within 48 hours following the minimally invasive surgery.
This case highlights that the lack of pain is not proof of stone clearing. Timely follow-up, imaging, and confirmation of stone passes are important. Although kidney stones are common, ignoring them can have serious and irreversible repercussions.
(Dr. Ankit Sharma is a urology consultant at Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune Email: Ankit.sharma@manipalhospitals.com)
Published – May 10, 2025 12:05 pm IST
Leave a Reply