The aim of this research is to use a controlled laboratory setting to determine whether bacteria isolated from kidney stones of patients play a role in the formation of non-infectious kidney stones. It is well known that struvite stones are associated with active bacterial infection, however the role of bacteria in the formation of non-infection stones (like calcium oxalate) is not well characterized and there are theories that bacteria are involved in the making of these stones.

Kidney stone disease is common, affecting nearly 10% of the population with increasing prevalence and increasing cost associated to treat this disease. While struvite stones (composed of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate crystals) have been associated with the presence of infection, the association between bacteria and non-infection stones is not well characterized. Previous studies have found bacteria present in stones of patients without active infection and with negative pre-operative urine tests.

There are various compositions of kidney stones, including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, struvite and uric acid, with calcium oxalate being the most common. It is well known that struvite stones are associated with active infection, however the role of bacteria in the formation of other types of kidney stones, including calcium oxalate, is not well understood. The investigators hypothesize that bacteria present in the urinary tract of patients without active infection have the ability to facilitate calcium oxalate crystal formation by providing a surface for stones to grow. An understanding of the role of bacteria in the formation of non-infection stones could help prevent stone formation by altering the bacteria present within patients to decrease or eliminate their risk of kidney stone disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Over the age of 18
• Diagnosed with or have a high index of suspicion of having a kidney stone and scheduled to undergo percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
• Medically fit for definitive surgical management of stone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those with medical comorbidities preventing them from safely undergoing definitive surgical therapy.
• Patients who are unable to provide informed consent.
• 18 years old or younger
• Diagnosed with an infection stone
• Urinary tract infection within 3 months before date of operation
• Antibiotic use within 3 month before date of operation

Patients at Vancouver General Hospital that are diagnosed with a kidney stone and scheduled to undergo percutaneous nephrolithotomy.