Diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones in 43 fighter pilots and their medical evaluation

Objective To study the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones in fighter pilots and the principle of their medical evaluation. Methods Medical data about the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones in 43 fighter pilots admitted to our hospital in 1982-2008 and their medical evaluation were retrospectively analyzed. Results Of the 43 fighter pilots,23 had their kidney stones excreted after treatment and 4 were diagnosed as renal calcification,who could continue their flight,3 were grounded due to failure to remove their kidney stones after long-term treatment,1 was grounded due to other disease,and 11 who were still under treatment and observation discontinued their flight temporarily. Conclusion Fighter pilots including flight teachers with kidney stones should be temporarily in order to secure their flight safety till their kidney stones are excreted and those with renal calcification far away from the collecting system can continue their flight under regular recheck.