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The existence of kidney stones has been recognized since the beginning of civilization, they are even mentioned in the Hippocratic Oath dating back to the 4th century B.C.

Kidney stones are more common in developed nations and have regional variation in occurrence.

More to explore about kidney stones

Kidney stones have plagued mankind since the beginning of civilization

Although kidney stones have many dietary risk factors associated with modern lifestyle of the western world, the existence of kidney stones has been recognized since the beginning of civilization. In 1901, the oldest known kidney or bladder stone was discovered in the pelvis of an ancient Egyptian mummy, and dated to 4,800 B.C. (see here).

Lithotomy is one of the earliest known surgical procedures

Lithotomy, the now rarely used surgical procedure for the removal of kidney stones, is one of the earliest known surgical procedures. The word lithotomy originates from the Greek words “lithos” (stone) and “tomos” (cut). Part of the Hippocratic oath, written in the 4th century B.C., pertaining to the ethical practice of medicine, warns physicians not to operate on the bladder for stones, but to leave this practice to the surgical specialists of the time: “I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favor of such men as are engaged in this work” (from The Hippocratic Oath: Text, Translation, and Interpretation, by Ludwig Edelstein. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins Press, 1943).

This sentence pertaining to kidney or bladder stones is now interpreted as acknowledging that it is impossible for any single physician to maintain expertise in all areas, but it also highlights the different historical origins of the surgeon and the physician.

Kidney stones are more common in developed nations and countries with warmer climates

Kidney stones are more common in developed nations and have regional variation in occurrence. In the U.S. for example, lifetime prevalence of kidney stones has been found to vary substantially by geographic region, increasing from north to south and from west to east (see here). Climate and diet, along with other risk factors however, seem to contribute to kidney stones mainly among those who are genetically susceptible to their development.

A genetic variant in the CLDN14 gene on chromosome 21 is associated with increased concentration of urinary calcium and risk of developing kidney stones

deCODEme calculates the genetic risk of developing kidney stones

Scientists at deCODE Genetics have found a common genetic variant in the CLDN14 gene on chromosome 21 that is associated with increased concentration of urinary calcium and risk of developing kidney stones. The deCODEme Complete Genetic Scan identifies this variant (rs219778) and provides an interpretation of the risk for developing kidney stones in individuals of European descent only, as risk information for other ethnicities has not yet been published.

More information

To learn more about kidney stones, talk to your doctor and visit the following web-sites:

• American Urological Association Foundation
• Diet and kidney stones
• Keep your kidneys clear: Kicking kidney stones
• Kidney stones factsheet
• MedlinePlus interactive tutorial on kidney stones
• What I need to know about kidney stones?
• Pictures of kidney stones
• Treatment of kidney stones: The National Kidney Foundation

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.

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