Kidney stones are hard clusters of material that develop in the urinary tract. The stones may be as small as a grain of salt or as large as a pea. More men than women suffer from kidney stones. The risk of developing kidney stones rises with a person's age; kidney stones are more common in patients over 40, according to the National Institutes of Health. Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain, frequent urination and blood in the urine. Kidney stones often pass through the urinary tract without the need for medical intervention. Still, some complications can arise with the presence of kidney stones.
Blockage and Infection
Kidney stones occasionally become lodged in the urinary tract. The kidneys may then begin to fill with urine and cannot empty. A urinary tract infection can result. Struvite stones caused by urinary tract infections are the quickest growing and often the largest type of kidney stones. Women commonly develop struvite stones rather than men. Stones can become lodged in the ureters.
Some people describe passing a kidney stone as more painful than childbirth. Extreme pain signals that a blockage may be present, and fever and chills are signs that an infection may be present as well.
ESWL Complications
Most kidney stones pass without treatment; yet, occasionally intervention is needed. The National Institutes of Health reports the most common type of kidney stone procedure is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or ESWL. Though rare, some complications can occur during or after ESWL. Occasionally the procedure does not break apart the kidney stone into small enough fragments. Some fragments remain lodged in the urinary tract, causing increased discomfort and possible infection and blockage. A second procedure may be required to break up the remaining kidney stone cluster. ESWL often causes a small amount of blood in the urine; however, bleeding and bruising can occur internally around the kidney, also known as a hematoma. Though rare, a blood transfusion may be required, according to the Department of Urology at the University of Florida.
Renal Failure
Kidney failure due to the presence of renal stones is rare, but it can occur. Kidney failure is the progressive decline of renal function. Specific conditions put a person at risk of developing kidney failure, reports the New York Times Health Guide. A person who has frequent recurrences of kidney stones, especially large size stones, is at higher risk of kidney failure. Having frequent surgical procedures related to kidney stones also increases a person's risk.
