Urolithiasis: Symptoms, Management and Prevention Strategies

Urolithiasis is one of the oldest documented medical ailments with archeological evidence showing that humans have suffered from kidney and bladder stones for centuries. Urolithiasis is a common multifactorial problem with multi-effect on the patients’ quality of life and an economic burden on the individual and the health system of the country. Various intrinsic and extrinsic factors are associated with the risk for stone formation. Among intrinsic factors are race, sex, and genetics. Finding the cause of urolithiasis or establishing it early in life will reduce the consequence and complications of kidney stone disease and hence reduction of the cost in the treatment by establishing preventative measures in addition to patient education. Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of urolithiasis as a polygenic (common) or monogenic (rare) forms, however its knowledge and early diagnosis is important for achieving the goals of reducing patient suffering as well as economic burdens that inevitably follow a diagnosis. This book discusses the symptoms, management and prevention strategies of urolithiasis.