What problems are possible as a result of the staghorn stone?

If left untreated, staghorn calculi will destroy the kidney and may cause the death of the patient. Complications include azotemia, hydropyonephrosis, perinephric abscess, pyelonephritis (severe or end-stage), sepsis, and xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis.

What causes a staghorn stone?

Staghorn calculi are most frequently composed of mixtures of magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) and calcium carbonate apatite; they are strongly associated with UTIs caused by organisms that produce the enzyme urease, which promotes the generation of ammonia and hydroxide from urea.

Does staghorn stone dissolve?

Percutaneous irrigation chemolysis may be an option for infection- and uric acid stones. Stones composed of uric acid, but not sodium or ammonium urate, can be dissolved by oral chemolysis.

What are the signs and symptoms of staghorn kidney stones?

Early Signs & Symptoms of Staghorn ( Struvite )Kidney Stones. The bacteria infecting the urinary tract leaves behind waste products that combine with the minerals present within to form a solid mass. Urine of high pH with more of ammonium or magnesium hydroxide/phosphate compounds, stimulate the formation of struvite stones.

What are the signs and symptoms of staghorn calculus?

Staghorn Calculus Symptoms Symptoms may include flank pain classic for renal colic, fever, urinary symptoms (eg, frequency, dysuria), and hematuria (either gross or microscopic). 25% of patients may remain completely free of symptoms. Severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs. Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin

Where is a staghorn stone located in the body?

Who Is a Candidate? A staghorn kidney stone is a term used to describe a large stone that takes up more than one branch of the collecting system in the renal pelvis of the kidney. By way of review, the urinary tract begins with the kidneys. The kidneys, one on each side, sit high in the upper abdomen partially underneath the rib cage.

What happens if you have an untreated staghorn stone?

If a staghorn stone is not treated, then renal deterioration occurs in at least 1 out of 4 patients. Over time, an untreated staghorn calculus is likely to destroy the kidney and/or cause life-threatening infections (sepsis).