From the Guidelines
Pink-colored urine for 2 days after kidney stone removal is typically a normal and expected finding, likely due to minor bleeding from the procedure, as indicated by the presence of hematuria which can occur after urologic procedures 1. This condition is characterized by the presence of blood in the urine, which can be either microscopic or gross, with the latter being visible to the patient or physician. The American Urological Association defines microhematuria as three or more red blood cells per high power field on microscopic evaluation of urinary sediment 1. Given that the patient has recently undergone a kidney stone removal procedure, which is a known cause of hematuria, it is reasonable to attribute the pink-colored urine to this procedure. Key points to consider in this scenario include:
- The color of the urine should gradually change from bright red or pink to lighter pink and then clear over the course of a few days to a week
- If the patient experiences bright red urine with clots, severe pain, fever above 101°F, foul-smelling urine, or if the pink color persists beyond a week, they should contact their doctor immediately as these could indicate complications like infection or significant bleeding 1
- During recovery, it's essential to drink plenty of fluids (8-10 glasses of water daily) to help flush the system, take prescribed pain medications as directed, and avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks as recommended by the doctor. The patient's recent medical history of kidney stone removal is a crucial factor in assessing the cause of the hematuria, and according to the guidelines, patients with a suspected cause of microhematuria, including recent urologic procedure, are unlikely to gain any benefit from a complete imaging workup of microhematuria 1.
From the Research
Possible Causes of Pink Colored Urine
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) can cause pink or red discoloration, which may occur after a kidney stone removal procedure 2
- Infection or inflammation in the urinary tract can also lead to changes in urine color, although this is not directly related to pink colored urine 3
- Certain medications, such as ciprofloxacin, can cause renal side effects, including crystalluria and crystal nephropathy, but this is not typically associated with pink colored urine 4, 5, 6
Post-Kidney Stone Removal Considerations
- After a kidney stone removal procedure, patients may experience bleeding or hematuria, which can cause pink or red colored urine 2
- It is essential to follow the doctor's instructions and attend follow-up appointments to monitor for any potential complications or infections 3
- If patients experience any unusual symptoms, such as severe pain, fever, or changes in urine color, they should seek medical attention promptly 3