What are struvite stones?

Struvite stones are a specific type of kidney stone that form because of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the upper part of your system (like the kidneys). A kidney stone is essentially a hard lump made of chemicals found in your pee. Once a stone forms, it can stay in the kidney or move down the urinary tube, called the ureter. If a stone gets stuck, it can cause severe pain, block the flow of urine, lead to serious infection, or cause other complications.

What are the symptoms of struvite stones?

A small stone might pass out of your body without you even noticing any symptoms. However, a stone that can't pass may cause terrible pain, urine backup, and other issues. If you experience any of these problems, you should talk with a doctor immediately:

Extreme pain on one or both sides of your lower back.
Feeling sick to your stomach (nausea) and vomiting.
Fever and chills, which can signal a serious infection.
A sudden, strong need to pee (urine urgency).
Pain or burning while peeing.
Blood in the urine (making it look red, pink, or dark).
Pee that smells bad or looks cloudy.

Symptoms specifically related to the underlying UTI include a constant urge to urinate, a burning sensation when you pee, or passing frequent, small amounts of urine.

What causes struvite stones?

Struvite stones are primarily caused by a bacterial infection in your upper urinary tract. The specific bacteria often produce a waste product called ammonia. This ammonia makes your urine less acidic (more alkaline). Struvite stones develop because the urine becomes too alkaline. The main chemicals making up a struvite stone are struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium carbon-apatite. A concerning feature of struvite stones is that they can grow very fast and get quite large, sometimes without causing many symptoms or much notice initially.

How is a struvite stone diagnosed?

Diagnosing a kidney stone starts with taking your medical history, performing a physical exam, and ordering imaging scans, urine and blood tests, and possibly a stone analysis. Doctors check your blood and urine for unusual levels of certain chemicals. You might be asked to collect all your urine over a 24-hour period to test for uric acid or other chemicals. The urine sample may also be checked for magnesium ammonium phosphate crystals in the sediment.

Imaging tests are used to find the stones inside your body. Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of your organs and is considered a very appropriate screening test by many doctors to find stones. Computerized tomography (CT) scans use X-ray beams and computers to make detailed images and search for stones within the kidneys.

If a stone passes out of your body, saving it for analysis is important to figure out its type and why it formed. Knowing the stone type greatly helps in planning the best prevention strategy.

What is the therapy for struvite stones?

For most people with kidney stones, the first piece of advice is usually to increase fluid intake, mainly by drinking more water. Doctors also use medications to either help ease the pain or assist the stone's passage. Examples include thiazide diuretics (water pills) or tamsulosin (which relaxes the ureter to help the stone move). Antibiotics are necessary to treat and prevent the bacterial infection (UTI) that causes these stones.

However, unlike other types of kidney stones, struvite stones rarely pass on their own because they are usually too large. In most cases, surgical intervention is needed to break up bigger stones or remove them entirely. Procedures include:

Ureteroscopy: A small scope is used to remove the stone.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): High-energy sound waves are used to shatter the stone into tiny pieces that can then be passed.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): This is an operation where the stone is surgically removed through a small cut in the back.

For struvite stones, surgical treatment, often through a major operation like PCNL, requires the complete removal of the entire stone to prevent recurrence.

How can struvite stones be prevented?

To prevent struvite stones from coming back, your doctor might suggest some medications. Acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) is one such drug that works by stopping the bacteria from making ammonia, which is what causes these stones to form. You might also be prescribed antibiotics for a short period after a stone is removed. This helps prevent future UTIs that could cause new stones.

Drinking enough water every day is crucial for your general health and helps keep your urine less concentrated with waste materials. When your urine is highly concentrated, it looks darker. Ideally, your pee should be light yellow or clear to show you're properly hydrated. Doctors often advise drinking enough fluids to produce at least two litres of urine daily. However, if you have advanced kidney disease, you may need to restrict your fluid intake, so it's best to discuss the optimal water amount for you with your doctor.

When should I call doctor?

Treatments such as PNL and SWL can eliminate most struvite stones — particularly if the stones are small. If you have a large stone, there can be pieces remaining after surgery. Some individuals will require a secondary surgery or other therapy.

Call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment for these more serious symptoms of a kidney stone:

Severe pain in your side or back
Fever and chills
Severe vomiting and nausea

Why choose Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital for Struvite Stones Treatment in Lucknow, India?

Tender Palm Super-Speciality Hospital is one of the best hospital for Struvite Stones treatment in Lucknow, India. Our team of experienced urologists specializes in managing complex and recurrent kidney stones using the latest technology and evidence-based treatment methods. We follow international infection control standards to ensure complete patient safety and comfort. With decades of experience, our specialists provide personalized care plans that include accurate evaluation, effective removal procedures, and preventive strategies to reduce recurrence. At Tender Palm Hospital, we are committed to offering advanced treatment with transparent, affordable pricing, ensuring the best possible outcomes for every patient.