As Long as a Banana: Largest Kidney Stone Ever Removed

COLOMBO - A former sergeant from Sri Lanka has broken the world record for the largest kidney stone. It was as long as a banana, as big as a grapefruit, and weighed as much as four hamsters. He had been suffering from it since 2020, but it was only removed two weeks ago.

The kidney stone measures over 13.3 centimeters long and weighs 801 grams. It was removed on June 1st at the Colombo Army Hospital. "The most important thing for us is that the kidney still functions normally despite this stone," said military surgeon K. Sutharshan.

Former sergeant Canistus Coonge had been dealing with the kidney stone for a very long time. Speaking to a local television channel, he said he had been experiencing abdominal pain since 2020, and medication did not help. "After a scan, I was recently told that I needed surgery," said Coonge. "I feel normal now."

Guinness World Records has confirmed that this kidney stone has broken the record for both the largest and heaviest kidney stone. The previous record holder for the largest kidney stone was nearly 13 centimeters long, discovered in India in 2004. The previous record holder for the heaviest kidney stone weighed 620 grams and was removed in Pakistan in 2008.

Kidney stones form when there are excessive waste products and minerals in the urine, causing them to clump together and form crystals. Normally, smaller kidney stones are passed out through urination within a day, but larger stones cannot be naturally expelled. Drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent their formation.