Urology Journal (Jun 2013)
Problems and Prospects of Neglected Renal Calculi in Pakistan Can This Tragedy be Averted?
Abstract
Materials and Methods: From January 2010 to December 2010, a total of 2838 new patients withstone disease were treated at a tertiary care center. The medical files of 278 patients presenting withstone disease and renal failure were reviewed and compared with a cohort of 878 patients withnormal renal functions. Their demographic and clinicopathological parameters were noted andanalyzed.Results: Of 2838 patients, 278 presented with acute and chronic renal failure, 40 (1.4%) withunilateral non-functioning kidneys, and 25 (0.8%) with pyonephrosis and perinephric abscess.Management in 278 (9.7%) subjects was divided into initial relief of obstruction by percutaneousnephrolithotomy and double-J stents followed by definitive management in the form of open surgery,percutaneous nephrolithotomy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, and ureterorenoscopyto make these patients stone-free. Results of treatment showed that 72% of patients either recoveredtheir renal functions or became dialysis-free at the end of the follow-up period.Conclusion: Complications of renal calculi in the era of modern treatment can be prevented bypublic education and organizing courses for family physicians as well as opening new stone clinicsin the rural areas of the country equipped with modern treatment facilities and strategies forprevention of renal calculi.
