Chemical analysis of uroliths: A two-center study of doctors' practice and perspective in South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Urolithiasis is a global disease condition secondary to a variety of factors, and sometimes associated with serious complications. Determination of stone composition is important in delineating causative factors. Knowledge of causative and precipitating factors aids patient management and prevention of recurrence.

Objective: The authors’ aim was to evaluate the practice and perspective of doctors regarding chemical analysis of stones in management of urolithiasis.

Materials and Methods: This comparative cross‑sectional study was done between December 2016 and May 2017 in two teaching hospitals in South‑East, Nigeria. Data were collected using self‑administered questionnaires.

Results: In all, 88 doctors with mean (standard deviation) age of 37.3 (9.5) years participated in the study. Urinary bladder stones were the most frequently managed, 51 (58.0%); 45 (51.1%) participants do not routinely send stones for chemical analysis. All respondents (100%) agreed that stone analysis is beneficial to patient management.

Conclusion: This study showed that in spite of all respondents affirming that chemical analysis of uroliths is beneficial to patient management, more than half of respondents do not routinely send stones for analysis.

Keywords: Doctor, laboratory, perspective, practice, urinary calculi