Frequency of silent renal stones in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan

Frequency of asymptomatic stones in Peshawar, Pakistan

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Numerous millions of people worldwide suffer with urinary stones, which is a prevalent global issue.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to determine the frequency of silent renal stones in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar, Pakistan.

Material and Methods: We examined 560 consecutive patients who did not have urolithiasis symptoms or a history when they came to our outpatient department. They underwent kidney screening whilst undergoing abdominal ultrasound.

Results: A total of 560 patients with age ranging from one year to 85 years were scanned. Silent renal stones were found in 25 (4.5%) of the subjects. Most of the stone bearers were males (20 out of 25). Eleven subjects have unilateral, thirteen have bilateral while one patient has ureteric calculi. Remarkably, in these patients, several stones and stones of great size were missed.

Conclusion: The incidence rate of silent renal stones is quite high i.e., 4.5%. This signifies that in addition to the incidence/prevalence data of nephrolithiasis, silent stones have a 4.5% prevalence and can be found via screening or incidentally.

Early detection of renal stones permits for intervention to prevent complications such as urinary tract infections, kidney damage, intense renal pain or urinary obstruction leading to medical emergencies etc. Treating these complications can be significantly more expensive than managing the stones themselves. Therefore, we recommend that screening for urolithiasis should be included in routine medical screening to avoid potential complications and several financial implications for individuals as well as for health care system.