The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that filter waste and extra water from the blood to make urine. Kidney stones form when minerals and acid salts in the urine turn into hard deposits. Usually this happens when the levels of minerals and acid salts in the urine are high, and the fluid level is low. The stones form in the kidney and can cause severe pain as they pass through the urinary tract. Recently published results of a nationwide survey showed that over 5 million (2%) of U.S. adults pass a kidney stone each year, and over 28 million have ever been affected.^1,2

The healthcare burden from kidney stone disease is staggering. Kidney stones are among the top 10 reasons for visiting a urologist.^3,4 In 2014, there were over 1.1 million emergency department visits due to kidney stones.⁵ In 2016, $403 million was spent on inpatient hospital care for this condition.⁶ Total direct costs of kidney stone treatment in the U.S. are expected to exceed $4.1 billion by 2030.⁷

1. US Census Bureau population estimates for 2022

2. Hill, J Urol 2022 April; 207: 1-5

3. IMS Health NDTI specialty profile report on Urology, July 2012-June 2013

4. CDC National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey Factsheet on Urology 2015

5. AHRQ HCUP-net database for 592 Renal/Ureteral Calculus

6. AHRQ HCUP-net database for N20 Calculus of kidney and ureter 2016

7. Roberson, Curr Urol Rep 2020; 21:18

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