Abstract

Introduction: Urolithiasis is a common condition with an increasing incidence in Latin America. Infrared spectrometry (IR) is considered the reference method for renal stone characterization, enabling precise identifi- cation of their chemical composition.

Objective: To determine the chemical composition of kidney stones using infrared spectrometry in surgically treated patients in the Dominican Republic.

Methods: A descriptive, retrospective study was conducted between January 2023 and June 2024, including 23 patients (14 females, 9 males; mean age 49.5 years). Stones collected during surgery were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR).

Results: Calcium oxalate monohydrate was the most frequent component (69.6%), followed by struvite (39.1%), carbonate apatite (30.4%), and cystine (17.4%). A female predominance was observed (60.9%).

Conclusion: IR spectrometry confirmed a high prevalence of calcium oxalate stones and a considerable proportion of infectious stones (struvite) in the Dominican population. These findings underscore the importance of compositional analysis for the prevention and personalized management of urolithiasis.