Final answer:
Lithiasis refers to the presence of a stone, often in relation to kidney stones which can cause various symptoms and may require treatments like lithotripsy or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lithiasis is a condition in which a stone is present. This term is commonly used in reference to kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, which are solid concretions or crystal aggregations formed from dissolved minerals in the urine. Kidney stones can vary in size and may cause symptoms ranging from severe pain, known as renal colic, to blood in the urine, or hematuria, when they pass through the urinary tract. A small stone might pass with little to no pain, whereas a larger one can cause obstruction and intense discomfort. Treatment options for kidney stones include pain management, lithotripsy, which uses high-intensity ultrasound to break down the stones, or in some cases, surgical removal.