Urinary calculi successfully expelled in a patient through traditional Chinese exercise: A case report

Rationale: Urinary calculi are hard mineral deposits that typically require medication or surgery, such as lithotripsy. This case report presents traditional Chinese exercises (TCEs) as a potential alternative for stone expulsion.

Patient concerns: A 41-year-old male with no history of urinary tract stones, experienced sudden severe lower back and abdominal pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis: Computed tomography scan revealed a small calculus at the distal end of the left ureter (within the bladder wall), approximately 2 mm in size, with mild hydronephrosis in the ureter and renal pelvis.

Interventions: The patient was initially prescribed medication for pain relief and was advised to engage in TCEs.

Outcomes: Follow-up computed tomography scan after the exercise regimen showed complete expulsion and disappearance of the urinary calculi. The patient reported significant improvement in physical and mental health with no recurrence of calculi observed in subsequent checkups.

Lessons: This case suggests that TCEs may facilitate the expulsion of small urinary calculi, offering a noninvasive treatment option. Further research is needed to confirm the therapeutic effects of TCEs on urinary calculi and to explore its potential mechanisms.