Non-surgical management therapies for kidney stones

Kidney stone formation is a worldwide problem, sparing no geographical, cultural, or racial groups. Its treatment has become easier and less invasive with the development of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy and endourologic techniques. Apart from surgical management of this ailment, the medicinal management is not fully explored. Recurrent stone formation can be prevented by the use of reasonable dietary and fluid recommendations, and directed pharmacologic intervention. During recent decades, pharmacologic intervention has become more effective in stone disease: drugs can control the pain of kidney stones, interfere at various levels in lithogenesis, and contribute to its expulsion. Calcium-sparing diuretics such as thiazides are also used for its treatment. Citrate medications increase levels of this naturally occurring stone inhibitor. There are several herbal formulations used affluently for preventing recurrence stone formation. Oxalate degrading bacteria is the latest focus for researchers towards kidney stone management. In this review article, we provide an update on the non-surgical treatments of stone disease, focusing our attention on what is known and what is new in kidney stone management.