Kidney stone disease is a highly prevalent condition, and has received significant attention in medical research due to its substantial impact on quality of life and the strain it places on healthcare systems. Despite its prominence, philosophical perspectives on kidney stone disease remain underexplored. This paper presents the first comprehensive phenomenological analysis of kidney stone disease, integrating both classical and contemporary phenomenological approaches with insights from qualitative and quantitative studies. We examine the lived experience of renal colic, the role of medical imaging, the diverse methods of treatment, and the challenges posed by recurrent chronic kidney stone disease, providing philosophical depth to these medical issues. We argue that kidney stone disease, along with its treatment, can deeply affect the patient's relationship with their own body, sense of self, environment, and interpersonal connections. We conclude by discussing the practical implications of our phenomenological analysis for clinical care, advocating a more holistic, humanistic approach to kidney stone disease and its treatment. This approach recognizes not only the physical, but also the lived aspects of the condition, thereby enhancing patient care and well-being.
Medicine, health care, and philosophy. 2025 Oct 10 [Epub ahead of print]
Chris A Suijker, Corijn van Mazijk, Stijn Roemeling
Department of Urology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. ., Faculty of Philosophy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands., Department of Urology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.