Pathophysiology and treatment of nephrolithiasis

Kidney diseases are among the most important causes of death and disability in many countries around the world.Among these diseases, nephrolithiasis stands out.Nephrolithiasis is a medical condition that affects the kidneys or urinary tract, characterized by the concentration of different mineral salts combined with an organic matrix that crystallizes in the upper urinary tract.The formation of kidney stones can be derived from various substances, such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate and uric acid.Considered a multifactorial disease, the factors that predispose people to the formation of kidney stones can be genetic, metabolic and environmental.It is now recognized that nephrolithiasis is a marker of systemic alterations and a predictor of metabolic and cardiovascular complications.This condition is responsible for intense cramps, unbearable pain, at first accompanied by nausea and emesis, and can cause obstruction of the urinary tract, leading to renal failure and, consequently, death.Over the decades, nephrolithiasis has become more common, occurring in around 6% to 15% of the Western population, affecting mostly men.The aim of this article is to analyze, through a literature review, the pathophysiology and treatment of nephrolithiasis, since, despite its relevance, it remains a complex disease with a significant impact.