What are urinary system stones?

Urinary tract stones, also known as urolithiasis or urinary calculi, are common disorders of the urinary system. Stones can form anywhere in the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra, although kidney and ureteral stones are the most frequent. The causes of stone formation are varied and include poor dietary habits, metabolic abnormalities, medication effects, and other factors. The primary components of stones include calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and others. Patients may experience symptoms such as pain, hematuria (blood in urine), and difficulty urinating; in severe cases, complications such as hydronephrosis and renal insufficiency may occur. Treatment options for urinary tract stones include medical therapy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and surgical stone removal, with the appropriate method selected based on the individual patient's condition.