Urolithiasis: a descriptive study in a single urological unit at a tertiary care hospital

Introduction: Urolithiasis is the most prevalent surgical disorder of urinary tract in Asia. The prevalence of urolithiasis varies with demographic factors. There are many treatment options feasible. The specific treatment approach depends on composition, location, size of the stones and preferences of the patients and hospital capability.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the demographic details, clinical presentation, and management of patients with urolithiasis in a single urological unit at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in a total of 247 diagnosed urolithiasis patients in a single urological unit at a tertiary care hospital from August 2021 to July 2022. Data were collected from patients' records; demographic details, clinical presentation and management of urolithiasis were retrieved. Collected data were analyzed with SPSS 26.0.

Results: Among the 247 patients, the majority were males (n=159, 64.4%). Patients ranged from the age of 13-83 years, with a mean age of 48.8 (SD: 15.2) years. The most common presenting symptom was pain (n=150, 60.7%). In 45.3% (n=112) comorbidities such as diabetic mellitus (n=64), hypertension (n=77), hyperlipidemia (n=29), chronic kidney disease (n=15) and ischemic heart disease (n=12) were seen. The majority had single stones (n=171, 69.2%). The commonest site of stones was on the left urinary tract (n=101, 40.9%) followed by right (n=95, 38.5%), and bilateral (11.3%), Bladder (8.5%) and urethra (0.8%) were the other sites. The ureteric stones (n=125, 50.6%), and a mean size of 14.8mm (SD: 11.7) were more common than renal stones (n=74, 30.0%), and a mean size of 19.9mm (SD 11.8). The majority (n=186, 75.3%) were treated surgically.

Conclusion: Urolithiasis was more commonly seen in males. The commonest presentation was pain, and the site was ureter. Nearly half of the patients had at least one non-communicable comorbidity, and the majority were treated surgically.