Hi Dr.. My wife (32 years) was diagnosed with a calculus in her left kidney last year. After a few painful episodes, the same calculus (6 mm) is now shown to be in the vesico-ureteric junction in USG KUB. She has had a urine infection, and currently on antibiotics . My question is does this type of calculus pass naturally, or should we go for surgical removal without any delay? Thanks
HelloThanks for writing to us with your health concern. In general, a calculus that is less than 10 mm is always given a trial for natural removal. The size of the calculus that your wife has (6 mm) is quite small. Normally, this sized calculus will easily pass through into the urine and get excreted. Of course, the type of stones matter, with some stones being more resistant to treatment. In your case, the stone has already migrated downwards, from the kidney and is now at the AUJ (Mexico ureteric junction). In all likelihood it would pass from there, through the ureters and hence outside through the bladder. The problem is that the passage and peristalsis of the calculus, however small, would lead to a great amount of pain and discomfort. There is no way to predict it, it might be painless also. Calculus removal surgical would be indicated in the following situations -1. Painful passage.2. Recurrent infections of the type you mention, which might scar her kidneys forever. Chat Doctor. All the betake care.