ATHLETIC RISK FACTORS AND SURGICAL INTERVENTIONS FOR URINARY TRACT STONES IN SPORTS PARTICIPANTS

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to explore common risk factors contributing to urinary tract stones in athletes and to evaluate the outcomes and safety of surgical treatment, particularly focusing on percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 73 athletes diagnosed with upper urinary tract stones at our institution from March 2021 to March 2023. For comparison, 73 healthy athletes were selected as controls. Variables compared included demographic data, cardiovascular function, renal function, glycemic and lipid profiles, and electrolyte balances. The incidence of urinary tract stones was analyzed using logistic regression to identify risk factors. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy was performed on all patients with stones, and the outcomes, including the success rate of stone removal and postoperative complications, were recorded. Results: No significant differences were found in demographic or basic health parameters between groups. Significant differences were observed in serum creatinine and uric acid levels, with stone patients showing higher values. Lower glomerular filtration rates and higher triglyceride levels were also noted in stone patients, alongside lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Logistic regression identified these as independent risk factors for stone formation. The surgical intervention showed a high success rate (98.63%) for stone removal, with a postoperative complication rate of 16.44%. Conclusion: In athletes, factors such as elevated serum creatinine and uric acid, reduced glomerular filtration rate, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol are significant risk indicators for urinary tract stones. Surgical removal via percutaneous nephrolithotomy proves to be an effective and safe treatment modality, highlighting its viability as a preferred approach in managing this condition among athletes.