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Posted by Ani on July 08, 1999 at 09:31:46 How long does it take a kidney stone to form? How soon after one stone can a person have another one?
Posted by HFHS M.D.-AK on July 12, 1999 at 17:02:01_
Dear Ani,
Many processes are involved in the formation of crystals, one of the precursors for stones. It takes between 5 and 7 minutes for urine to flow from the filter in the kidney(Glomerulus) to the collecting duct. The earliest point of stone formation is in the papillary duct or collecting duct tubule. The diameter of the early stone is approx. 50-200 micrometers. Then other factors such as crystal retention, nucleation, and crystal aggregation occurs. If the urine is static and wash out does not occur, a stone that is clinically significant will form. It will continue to grow as the urine continues to allow for precipitation.
Depending on the type of stone, the state of hydration, and the urine composition, clinically significant stones can form in a matter of months. This is why it is important to remove all fragments after a stone intervention. If a nidus is left behind to allow for further precipitation a stone will form faster.
If you have had multiple stones or a family history of urinary calculi, you may need a metabolic work-up. Talk to your doctor about this possibility since you have provided no clinical history.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568). Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:Urinary Calculi
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