Urolithiasis: Risk factors, epidemiology, diagnosis and management modalities: a comprehensive review

Abstract

Urolithiasis is a common worldwide problem. If left untreated it causes infections of urinary tract, permanent renal damage and finally loss of kidney functions. Pakistan is included in the stone belt region. Therefore, the high prevalence of urolithiasis has been reported. Study aims were to review the risk factor, prevalence, diagnostic techniques and management modalities of urolithiasis used in developing and developed countries, so that high prevalence can be prevented by adopting some simple conservative method. In the present review, we searched for data using Science Direct, Elsevier, Springer Link (Springer), Google Scholar and PubMed. The search included the keywords “Renal stones, risk factor, incidence rate, lifestyle, climate condition, diagnosis of urolithiasis, treatment options, the prevalence in Pakistan and worldwide. Urolithiasis has afflicted the human kind since antiquity. The prevalence of renal stones are rising all over the world due to drastic changes in climate, dietary pattern including poor quality diet, high content of minerals in water and low intake of water, delayed or improper diagnosis and treatment. So the data have been compiled from different sources in comprehensive way to describe the urolithiasis from cases to management which might be helpful for the physicians, clinicians and traditional healers to minimize the urolithiasis burden by accurate in time diagnosis and treatment of affected ones.

 Keywords: Renal stones, climate condition, prevalence, diagnosis, treatment modalities