Kidney stones

Approximately 5 -10 percent of the New Zealanders develop stones. Kidney stones are more common in men, up to three or four times more common than women. You have a 50% chance of recurrence within 8 years of the first episode. They occur more commonly in persons aged above 30 years.

How do kidney stones form?

Normal urine contains substances that can inhibit crystal formation. Oversaturated (concentrated) urine has a high level of calcium, oxalate and uric acid. These encourage crystals to form and grow. This results from: