Renal lithiasis – meaning the presence of calculi in the urinary tract, generally known as “kidney stones” – is a common disease, that may arise at any age, frequently associated with severe pain. Hospital da Luz Clínica de Odivelas has now available a Nephrology – Renal Lithiasis Consultation (in person or by video consultation), coordinated by nephrologist Nuno Moreira Fonseca . The calculi/stones are formed by saturation and crystallization of urine salts in the kidney, the organ where urine is produced. The displacement of calculus in the kidneys and subsequent migration to the ureters may cause obstruction to the flow of urine – and when that is the case, a renal colic occurs. Most people presenting renal lithiasis are prone to have repetition episodes. The causes may vary – namely dietary errors, insufficient hydration, genetic or medication origin, and systemic diseases – and both prevention and treatment should target the cause. Renal lithiasis consultation: Is destined to anyone already having suffered a renal colic or presenting renal calculi; Aims to identify the cause of lithiasis and establish preventive measures directed to the cause, in order to avoid the recurrence of new episodes; Includes a dietary evaluation and a metabolic study; Towards a complete and integrated approach, it works in articulation with Urology and Nutrition. The diagnosis of renal lithiasis is established based on the clinical exam and confirmed through complementary exams, such as urine analysis and renal and vesical (bladder) echography. In case of doubt persistence or in order to define with more precision the dimension of the calculi and their exact location, it may be necessary to do a computed tomography (CT). Schedule your appointments via MY LUZ or at hospitaldaluz.pt/odivelas/en/
