World record: largest kidney stone removed from a patient

in collaboration with

Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director)

Here is one who must feel very relieved and lightened! In Sri Lanka, a retired soldier who had been suffering from abdominal pain since 2020, had surgery for a kidney stone the size of which has never been seen before in the world.

More than 800 grams at the weigh-in

Sri Lankan military doctors thus announced on Wednesday June 14 that they had removed the largest and heaviest kidney stone, whose characteristics are indeed extraordinary: 801 grams (more than five times the weight of an average male kidney). according to the army) and a length of 13.37 centimeters long, while on average a kidney measures only between 10 and 12 centimeters!

The man, on the other hand, would not have lost the use of his kidney.

The surgery took place on June 1, but the announcement of the authorities had to intervene after the recognition of this record by the Guinness Book of Records. A previous record – “only” 620 grams – for a kidney stone was recorded in Pakistan in 2008.

Avoid renal colic

Kidney stones are stones formed by mineral salts that accumulate in the kidney, an organ that filters the blood. They can give rise to renal colic, very painful, when the obstacle (the calculation) increases the pressure in the urinary tract. The stone is then eliminated through the urinary tract, either naturally or after treatment if it turns out to be too big.

If you ever suffer from a kidney stone, however, there is little (if any) chance of encountering such a “monster” in your urinary tract. Dr. Gérald Kierzek, an emergency doctor who observes several cases of renal colic regularly in his department, however, recalls that suffering from a kidney stone is a frequent pathology and that to avoid this, it remains important to stay well hydrated, especially during the summer period. : “Dehydration is indeed a factor favoring renal colic”.

And if pain is felt in the kidneys, or the lower abdomen, do not do like this patient, do not hesitate to consult a health professional.