If a stone is found in the ureter in a man, what should I do?
Diseases of the genitourinary system are common in both women and men. Unfortunately, such problems are borne by the stronger sex much more difficult. After all, in addition to the violation of urination, another important factor - problems with sexual activity joins. The latter is especially disturbing for middle-aged men. These symptoms arise from the anatomical structure of the body. Violations of both functions are often associated with the fact that there is a stone in the ureter in men. The formation of concrements can be observed as a result of malnutrition, and for other reasons. This symptom is a sign of urolithiasis. Regardless of the severity of the clinical picture, treatment is needed, consisting in the removal of concrements.
Stones in the ureters - what kind of disease?
The stone in the ureter in men does not arise by itself and in a moment. Even if the symptoms appeared suddenly, this was preceded by a long-term chronic pathology. The appearance of concrements in the ducts indicates the presence of urolithiasis. The process begins in the kidneys. Then the stone enters the ureter. The presence of large concrements is very dangerous, since it can lead to trauma and rupture of the organ. In addition, stones block the outflow of urine. This leads to the development of pain syndrome. Also, a person is disturbed by false urge to urinate. This disease often leads to the development of inflammatory pathologies, injuries. In addition, it is more difficult to treat, because because of the current of urine stones constantly migrate to the organ. Most often, stones are stuck in places of anatomical narrowing. They include the border with the bladder and exit from the renal pelvis. Often stones are stuck in the lower part of the organ. This occurs in 70% of cases.
Why do stones appear in the ureters?
The main cause of concrements is urolithiasis. It is believed that she is more exposed to the female population. Nevertheless, the pathology is common among men. The disease is associated with violations of the mineral metabolism in the body. Also the reason is the use of some food and water. According to statistics, urolithiasis is more common in Asia and the Caucasus. This is attributed to the nutritional status of people living in these areas. This refers to the addiction to acute and bitter food. In addition, the development of pathology results in the consumption of large amounts of salt, as well as untreated water. A stone in the ureter in men may appear for the following reasons:
- Disturbances in phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
- Gout. This pathology is common in men who abuse alcoholic beverages. It is characterized by impaired purine metabolism and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and kidneys.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases. They include pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis.
- Sexual infections. These diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria( chlamydia, ureaplasmas, gonococci), which enter the organs ascending. As a result, they lead to inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.
- Congenital developmental anomalies. These include: doubling of the kidneys, diverticula of the ureters, etc.
- Endocrine pathologies leading to metabolic disorders.
- Hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis.
- Trauma to the pelvic organs.
A stone appears in the ureter: symptoms in men
In most cases, the ingress of a stone or part of it into the ureter is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture. Especially if the calculus occupies the entire lumen of the organ. Because of severe pain, the patient takes a forced position in bed, tries not to move. Most often this condition is called an attack of renal colic. It can last for several hours and even a day. Pain syndrome periodically subsides, then resumes. How does a stone out of the ureter in men, depends on the size of the calculus. If it has a small diameter, then it is possible to independently advance it. As a result of the pressure of urine, small stones can crumble and exit. In this case, the attack passes by itself. If this does not happen, the following symptoms are observed:
- Pain in the lower abdomen on one side, in the lumbar region. Can give into the perineum, the genitals. Severity of pain depends on the degree of obturation.
- Urine retention.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Some patients experience a change in stool character: diarrhea or constipation.
- Increased body temperature, general weakness. False urge to urinate.
- Stress of the muscles of the lower press.
If the stone in the ureter in men does not come out on its own, the seizures will repeat. In addition, the constant traumatization of the walls of the body with concrement leads to the development of complications. Among them - chronic inflammation of the ureter, edema. When the infection spreads, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis develops. Constant urinary retention results in hydronephrosis. If the disease is not treated, acute or chronic renal failure develops.
Methods for the diagnosis of ureterolithiasis
The appearance of stones( ureterolithiasis) can be suspected for such symptoms as attacks of acute pain, urinary retention, muscle tension of the anterior abdominal wall. In this case, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out. In the general analysis of urine, urate- or oxalaturia will be observed. Also, there may be an admixture of protein, bacteria and an increase in the number of leukocytes. In the chronic process and the development of renal failure, there will be changes in the biochemical blood test. These include increasing the level of creatinine. With gout, there is an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood. The instrumental diagnosis includes excretory urography and ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Thanks to these methods, you can learn about the location, number and size of stones.
Methods for the treatment of ureterolithiasis
Ureterolithiasis is a disease in which there is a stone in the ureter in men. How to deduce a concrement? Everything depends on its location and size. If the stone does not completely cover the lumen of the ureter and can exit by itself, then prescribe medication. Traditional medicine is also effective. To this end, use broths diuretic herbs. With large sizes of concrements, inefficiency of drug therapy and frequent relapses, surgical intervention is necessary. Urolithiasis is considered an excuse for a planned operation. Emergency measures are taken with the development of acute renal failure and traumatization of organs with large concretions.
Stones in the ureter in men: treatment at home
In some cases, it is possible to relieve pain in the home. First of all, you need to take an antispasmodic drug. Such medicines include tablets "No-Shpa", "Papaverin".After using an antispasmodic, the ureter relaxes, which can cause the stone to move and its exit. Also for this purpose it is recommended to take a warm bath. Removal of stones from the ureter in men is possible with the intake of herbal decoctions. They are made from such plants as dill or field horsetail. It is also recommended to drink more liquid. In addition, you should follow a diet. From the diet it is necessary to exclude legumes, cabbage, sorrel, nuts and currants.
Drug therapy for ureterolithiasis
Drug treatment is effective for rare attacks of ureterolithiasis and small calculi. Spasmolytic drugs and diuretics are used. The latter include medicines "Phytolysin", "Kanefron".These drugs are based on herbs. They have not only a diuretic effect, but also antiseptic means.
Surgical removal of stones
In most cases, ureterolithiasis is treated surgically. Despite the fact that the stones can go out on their own, they still continue to form in the kidney and bladder. Therefore, there are new attacks of ureterolithiasis. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to remove large stones in the ureter in men. The operation is especially necessary if there is a risk of complications. Indications are urinary retention, expressed pain syndrome. Emergency surgical intervention is necessary when there is bleeding from the urethra, falling blood pressure.
Types of surgical interventions for ureterolithiasis
There are several methods, according to which the removal of stones from the ureter in men. The operation in most cases is performed by a laparoscopic method. The following types of surgical interventions are distinguished:
- Remote lithotripsy. This method is used in the presence of small concrements. It is based on the action of ultrasonic and magnetic waves. With the help of the device - lithotripter - the stone is crushed into several small parts. As a result, the concrement can pass through the ureter and exit by itself.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This manipulation is carried out under the supervision of ultrasound. Local anesthesia is necessary. In the lumbar region, an incision is made for the installation of a nephroscope. Using a thin catheter, a contrast is introduced into the urethra. The lithotripter is brought close to the stones, some stones are removed using special forceps.
- Ureteroscopy. This method is similar to percutaneous lithotripsy. But differs in that the manipulation is carried out without a cut. Stones are removed through the opening of the urethra. If they are large, they are pre-crushed.
- Open surgical operation. It is rarely done, only if it is impossible to remove the stones in other ways.
Prevention of urolithiasis
To prevent stones from forming, you must follow a diet and drink as much liquid as possible. Before use, water is recommended to be filtered. If there is a violation of the mineral metabolism, consultation of the endocrinologist is required. Such a disease as gout serves as an excuse for abandoning alcoholic beverages.