Pathophysiology of reno-ureteral colic.
BACKGROUND
Reno-ureteral colic presents with a complex of acute symptoms that usually indicate the presence of a stone in the collecting system, The aim of any treatment is pain relief, stone removal and preservation of kidney function. We focused our review on the pathophysiological aspects of reno-ureteral colic and, briefly, on its treatment.


METHODS
A complete overview of contemporary literature regarding reno-ureteral colic was performed by using MEDLINE and website on-line publications like EAU Guidelines.


RESULTS
Clinical presentation of reno-ureteral colic, of mechanisms of ureteral peristalsis and pathophysiology of renal colic is described. An overview of the available medical treatments is presented.


CONCLUSIONS
An accurate comprehension of the pathophysiology of reno-ureteral colic allows the physician to tailor the best treatment for each patient.
Travaglini
F
F
Department of Urology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. effectrava@hotmail.com
Bartoletti
R
R
Gacci
M
M
Rizzo
M
M
D000208:Acute Disease; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D014517:Ureteral Obstruction / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D000700:Analgesics