An analysis of the composition of kidney stones
Aleksandra Brewczyńska, Sławomir Lewicki
The presence of stones in the patient’s urinary tract is a sign of a disease process leading to the precipitation of chemical compounds and formation of deposits. It is estimated that kidney stone formation affects up to 10% of population, and the first identified deposit is associated with 25% risk of recurrence within 10 years. Therefore, it is very important from the diagnostic point of view to analyse every spontaneously excreted or surgically removed stone. Precise determination of the structure and chemical composition of stones allows to identify the reasons of their formation, choose appropriate treatment method and modify patient’s diet, and thus prevent recurrence. A number of methods have been developed for the analysis of urinary stones, such as qualitative chemical analysis, polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and computed tomography. The paper discusses different analytic techniques for the evaluation of kidney stones, including their advantages and limitations. In the current state of knowledge, infrared spectroscopy seems to be the most effective, rapid and precise measuring technique. It should be noted, however, that a comprehensive approach, i.e. the use of several different techniques, is of key importance in the diagnosis, as only their simultaneous use allows to compare the obtained results and obtain full information about the patient’s condition. Innovative methods for the analysis of kidney stones, such as nanoscale flow cytometry, are currently sought to improve deposit identification and rapid implementation of appropriate treatment. Works to improve the currently used techniques as well as the search for new quicker and more effective methods give rise to hopes that a single unique method for a comprehensive assessment of stones collected from patients will be selected.