COMPOSITION AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF STAGHORN URINARY STONES. THEORIES OF GROWTH

Abstract

For the first time the composition and microstructure of large (more than 2 cm) urinary stones, including staghorn stones, were studied according to their volume by a set of techniques (X-ray, X-ray microanalysis, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, spectrophotometry, gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector), as well as the composition of the urine, in which their formation and growth occurred. The results and analysis combined with the published data have allowed to clarify and expand the theories of formation and suggest the process of urinary stones growth.

Keywords

• urinary stone disease, staghorn stones, growth theories, x-ray method, scanning electron microscopy.