August 1st 2002ABSTRACT: In patients with renal colic, the location of the urinary tract obstruction largely determines the nature of the symptoms (eg, an obstruction in the distal ureter typically produces boring pain that radiates to ipsilateral groin, testicle, or labium). The initial evaluation includes urinalysis, a complete blood cell count, and a renal function panel. A full metabolic evaluation is warranted if the patient has risk factors for or a family history of stone disease, a history of bilateral stone disease, or chronic recurrent urinary tract infection, or if nephrocalcinosis is found on radiographic studies. Noncontrast CT is the imaging study of choice; it is nearly 100% accurate for detecting stone disease. Analgesia and volume expansion are the mainstays of management.
