Bladder Stones
Bladder Stones Causes
Bladder stones form when concentrated urine sits in the bladder and its materials crystallize. Bladder stones are generally caused by underlying urologic problems, including neurogenic bladder, bladder diverticulum, urinary tract infection, or an enlarged prostate.
Bladder Stones Definition
Bladder stones pertain to small mineral masses that develop in the bladder, usually as a consequence of concentrated urine stagnating in the bladder. Alternative names for bladder stones are bladder calculi and urinary tract stones.
Bladder Stones Diagnosis
A physical examination may reveal urologic conditions such as an enlarged prostate. A urinalysis or a urine culture may be done to detect any infections. In addition, a bladder x-ray or cystoscopy can be done to detect the presence of bladder stones.
Bladder Stones Symptoms and Signs
Patients with bladder tones typically experience: a frequent urge to urinate; interruption in urine flow or difficulty urinating; presence of blood in the urine; pain and discomfort in the pelvic area; incontinence; dark color in the urine; as well as urinary tract infections characterized by dysuria, urinary urgency, and fever. Bladder stones become symptomatic only when the stones irritate the lining of the bladder or obstruct urine flow. In some cases, bladder stones remain asymptomatic.
Bladder Stones Treatment
Patients with bladder stones are advised to increase their water intake to help the stones pass on their own. If the stones are large, the patient may require a procedure known as a cystoscopy, in which a small tube is inserted through the urethra to the bladder. A laser known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is then used to break up the stones and allow them to pass through the bladder. Larger stones resistant to cystoscopy and laser treatment will need to be removed through open surgery.