Decoding Urinary Stones: Compositional Insights and Recurrence Patterns from a Tertiary Care Hospital in Eastern India

Background and objective Urinary stones are a prevalent medical condition entailing significant health burdens and substantial financial ramifications. Its global prevalence is expected to rise notably, particularly in low-middle-income nations. Understanding the spectrum of diverse urinary stone types is crucial for effective management and prevention. This study aims to elucidate the demographic profiles, clinical types, and recurrence of urinary stone cases at a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. Methods and materials The clinical data from the electronic medical record of 1,231 patients with urolithiasis who underwent surgery in a tertiary care center in eastern India from January 2015 to November 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Patient data, including demographic information, clinical records, dietary habits, water intake, and stone recurrence history, were collected. A thorough statistical analysis was conducted to elucidate the associations between patient characteristics, urinary stone composition, and recurrence. Results Among the 1,231 participants, the majority of cases (343 (27.9%)) were in the 31-40 age group, with a higher prevalence in males (876 (71.2%)) than in females (355 (28.8%)). Flank pain or abdominal pain (593 (48.1%)) was the primary complaint, followed by nausea/vomiting (227 (18.5%)). Most stones (922 (74.9%)) were located in the kidney, and calcium oxalate was the predominant stone component (773 (62.8%)). The highest stone recurrence rates were in patients aged between 21-30 years (21 (36.8%)) and 31-40 years (16 (28.0%)). A low non-vegetarian diet and adequate hydration may reduce the likelihood of stone recurrences. Conclusion This study provides insights into the compositional analysis of urinary stones in the eastern Indian population, addressing the causes of their recurrence and management strategies, which are crucial for prevention and effective management. The findings indicate that the early middle-aged group exhibited the highest incidence of urinary stones. We also observed that strict adherence to a low animal protein, along with proper hydration and lifestyle changes, significantly reduced urinary stone recurrence.