Urologic Diseases Dictionary: K - O

Urologic Diseases Dictionary Index

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K

Kegel (KEE-gul) exercises:

Tightening and relaxing the muscles that hold urine in the bladder and hold the bladder in its proper position. These exercises can improve a woman's ability to hold in her urine.

kidney stone:

A stone that develops from crystals that form in urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney, in the renal pelvis, or in the ureters.


Kinds of Kidney Stones

kidneys (KID-neez):

The two bean-shaped organs that filter wastes from the blood. The kidneys are located near the middle of the back. They create urine, which is delivered to the bladder through tubes called ureters.

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L

lithotripsy (LITH-oh-TRIP-see):

A method of breaking up kidney stones using shock waves or other means.

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N

nephrogenic (NEF-roh-JEN-ik) diabetes (DY-uh-BEE-teez) insipidus (in-SIP-ih-dus):

Constant thirst and frequent urination because the kidney tubules cannot respond to antidiuretic hormone. The result is an increase in urine formation and excessive urine flow.

nephrolithiasis (NEF-roh-lih-THY-uh-sis):

The medical term for kidney stones.

nephrotic (nef-RAH-tik) syndrome:

A collection of symptoms that indicate kidney damage. Symptoms include high levels of protein in the urine, lack of protein in the blood, and high blood cholesterol.

neurogenic (NEW-roh-JEN-ik) bladder:

Loss of bladder control caused by damage to the nerves controlling the bladder.

nuclear (NEW-klee-ur) scan:

A test of the structure, blood flow, and function of the kidneys. The doctor injects a mildly radioactive solution into an arm vein and uses x rays to monitor its progress through the kidneys.

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O

overactive bladder:

A condition in which the patient experiences at least two of the following conditions:

• urinary urgency
• urge incontinence
• urinary frequency—defined for this condition as urination more than seven times a day or more than twice at night.

oxalate (AHK-suh-late):

A chemical that combines with calcium in urine to form the most common type of kidney stone (calcium oxalate stone).

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