Kidney stone recurrence after surgery: Doctor suggests lifestyle changes, medical checkups that prevent it

Kidney stones are hard, crystal–like deposits formed inside the kidneys when certain minerals (calcium oxalate and uric acid) and salt in urine stick together and solidify. Most patients believe that they are completely cured if the stones are removed surgically. However, some studies note that kidney stones may recur in some patients within the next five years. It must be noted that surgery is just one of the many methods to remove kidney stones. Recurring kidney stones don’t mean that the surgery was a failure; instead, it happens because the root cause for the formation of the stones hasn’t changed. People fail to bring significant changes in their lifestyle even after the surgery, causing kidney stones to appear again. Dr Pillai Biju Sukumaran, a senior consultant in the department of urology at Apollo Adlux Hospital, Angamaly, explains. 

Why do they form
1. Metabolic reasons
Very often, kidney stones are related to metabolic reasons, especially when they recur. 
Hypercalciuria – It is a condition caused by too much calcium being found in urine. The calcium in urine could lead to kidney stones. 
Shortage of citrates – Citrates could help prevent stone formation. 
Uric acid – A high amount of uric acid in the blood and urine turns into stones. This is often hereditary or may be caused by poor diet choices. 

2. Poor diet
Overconsumption of salt – When there is a high amount of sodium in the body, calcium is expelled through urine, and they form into stones. 
Overconsumption of meat – A diet comprising too much red meat and seafood may cause kidney stones. 
Foods containing oxalates – Overconsumption of spinach, cashews, chocolate and Chinese potato may also cause kidney stones. 

3. Quality and quantity of water
Hydrating the body by drinking sufficient water is the best way to prevent kidney stones. Drinking up to 2 – 2.5 litres of water every day will reduce the risk of kidney stones. Urine becomes more concentrated when you do not drink enough water, and the minerals get deposited to form crystals. However, the quality of the water should also be checked. Drinking water containing minerals such as calcium and magnesium regularly may increase the risk of kidney stones in some people. 

4. Genetic reasons
If someone in the family has had a history of kidney stones, then it is likely that future generations, too, might get it. Those who suffer from rare diseases like cystinuria may get recurring kidney stones even after removing them surgically. 

Frequently Asked Question
1) What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
• Mild but recurring back pain
• Pain while urinating
• Traces of blood in urine
• Constant urge to urinate

2) How to prevent kidney stones?
• Drink up to 2 – 2.5 litres of water every day. However, those with heart disease or kidney disease should regulate their water intake only after consulting their doctor. 
• Reduce the quantity of salt in food. 
• Regular exercising
• Follow-ups at regular intervals after the surgery

3)How to detect and treat kidney stones?
Kidney stones could be detected with a USG ultrasound scan in the early stages. There are 'stone clinics' at various hospitals like Apollo Adlux in Angamaly, which promise modern treatment using cutting-edge technology. LASER treatment could remove stones without surgery, and minimally invasive surgeries like mini PCNL and RIRS are also helpful. 

4)How often should a person do a medical checkup to avoid kidney stone recurrence?
Those who have been diagnosed with kidney stones should consult a urologist at least once a year to catch a recurrence early.