Ureteric Stone

What are ureteral stones?

A ureteral stone is a hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidneys and passes through the ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder). You have two ureters, one connected to each kidney. Ureteral stones can enter either the right or left ureter.

Ureteral stones may be categorized based on their location in the ureter. If your ureteral stones are located near the renal pelvis (near the center of your kidney), they are sometimes called proximal stones. If the stones are at the end of your ureter, they are known as distal ureteral stones.

These stones are formed in the kidney from waste products normally found in urine, such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. Ureteral stones can vary in size. Most of the time they are small enough to pass through the urinary tract unnoticed, while larger ones can cause significant pain and blockages.

Types of ureteral stones

There are four types of ureteral stones:

• Calcium stones: Stones that form due to elevated levels of calcium, uric acid or oxalate (a chemical found in plants and animals). These are the most common.
• Uric acid stones: Stones that form from a high-protein diet or not drinking enough water.