Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that can form in one or both kidneys when high levels of certain minerals are present in the urine. These stones vary in size and shape, ranging from as small as a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. While some small kidney stones may pass unnoticed, a 6mm kidney stone is a size that can be passed naturally through the urinary tract.
Understanding 6mm Kidney Stones and Passability
A 6mm kidney stone is on the larger side for natural passage, but many individuals can pass it without surgical intervention. The likelihood of a 6mm stone passing on its own is approximately 20% to 33%. Several factors influence whether a stone of this size will pass.
The stone’s location within the urinary tract plays a role. Stones closer to the bladder have a higher chance of passage compared to those higher up near the kidney. The shape of the stone also contributes, as smooth stones may pass more easily than those with jagged edges. An individual’s anatomy, including ureter diameter, can affect passage. The stone’s composition, such as calcium oxalate or uric acid, can influence its texture and density.
Symptoms and Managing the Process
Passing a kidney stone can cause intense discomfort. A common symptom is severe pain, often described as renal colic, which begins in the side or back below the ribs and can radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. This pain may come in waves as the ureter attempts to push the stone along. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, or cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Managing the process at home involves hydration and pain control. Drinking plenty of water can help flush the stone through the urinary system and prevent it from growing larger. The goal is to produce a high volume of pale yellow urine. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage the discomfort, though it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before taking them.
A doctor might prescribe alpha-blockers, such as tamsulosin, which relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for the stone to pass more quickly and with less pain. Applying warmth to the affected area provides relief.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention if complications arise. This includes intractable pain that cannot be controlled with prescribed medication. The presence of fever and chills suggests a potential infection, a serious complication requiring immediate treatment.
Also seek medical help for persistent vomiting that prevents adequate hydration, as dehydration can worsen the condition. An inability to urinate or decreased urine output indicates urinary tract obstruction. Other symptoms include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine, pointing to infection or damage. Individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or decreased kidney function should also seek medical attention if they suspect a kidney stone.
Medical Interventions for Stone Removal
If a 6mm kidney stone does not pass naturally or complications arise, medical procedures are available. One option is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). This procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to break the kidney stone into smaller fragments. These smaller pieces can then be passed through the urinary tract. ESWL is performed as an outpatient procedure.
Ureteroscopy (URS) is another minimally invasive procedure. A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. If the stone is small, it may be removed directly using a basket-like device. For larger stones, a laser is used through the ureteroscope to break the stone into smaller pieces, then removed or allowed to pass.
Ureteroscopy is performed under general anesthesia, and patients typically go home the same day. For large or complex stones, a procedure called Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be considered, involving a small incision in the back to access and remove the stone.