Wellness

Doctors Just Removed 360 Of These From A Single Woman

Ruth Kamau  ·  December 8, 2016

Doctors were stunned when they surgically removed 360 kidney stones from a single patient, a woman whose case was described as one of the most extreme examples of the condition medical staff had ever encountered.

The patient had been suffering from persistent abdominal pain for months before seeking medical attention. When imaging tests revealed the staggering number of stones packed into her kidneys, surgeons knew they were dealing with an extraordinary case.

The surgical team removed all 360 stones during a lengthy procedure. The stones varied in size, with some as small as grains of sand and others significantly larger. Doctors said the patient had likely been developing the stones over a period of years without realizing the severity of her condition.

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and stick together. While it is common for people to develop one or two stones at a time, having hundreds is exceptionally rare.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, approximately one in ten people will develop a kidney stone at some point in their lives. The condition affects men more frequently than women, though cases in women have been rising. Common risk factors include dehydration, high-sodium diets, obesity, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of kidney stones can include severe pain in the side and back, pain during urination, and blood in the urine. However, in some cases, stones can grow and multiply without causing noticeable symptoms until they become large enough to block the urinary tract.

Doctors recommended that the patient increase her water intake and modify her diet to reduce the risk of recurrence. They also emphasized the importance of regular medical checkups, noting that early detection through routine imaging can prevent cases from reaching this extreme level.

The case was reported widely in medical circles as a reminder of how quickly kidney stones can accumulate when left untreated, and the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet.