ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the different types of urinary tract calculi, diagnosis for ureteric colic and the initial management of urinary tract calculi. It provides the relative contraindications to performing an intravenous urogram (IVU). Renal colic is intensely painful. Therefore adequate analgesia should be administered immediately. Relief is normally obtained with parenteral opiates and NSAIDs, and rehydration with oral and intravenous fluids should be commenced. A urine sample should be tested for haematuria and pyuria. Serum electrolytes should be tested to assess renal function, and a white cell count should be measured. A plain kidney, ureter and bladder (KUB) X-ray should be taken. Around 90% of renal tract stones are radio-opaque and should be visualised on this film. IVU can then be performed to confirm the diagnosis, determine the degree and level of obstruction, and verify the presence of the contralateral kidney.
