Bladder stones are small deposits of minerals, such as calcium or magnesium, that form in the bladder and are usually the result of other issues, such as infection, urinary retention, or an underlying urologic condition. They may be small, but bladder stones can be very painful, uncomfortable and if left untreated, quite harmful.
Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or have been informed that you have bladder stones, this complete guide will explain everything you need to know about removing bladder stones — from symptoms and causes to advanced treatment options and expert care.
What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones, medically known as vesical calculi, are hard masses of minerals that form in the bladder when urine becomes concentrated. When the bladder fails to empty entirely, urine is left behind, and minerals in the urine — notably, calcium, magnesium and uric acid — can concentrate, crystalize, and harden to form stones.
What Causes Bladder Stones?
Urinary stasis (inability to empty the bladder completely) is the most common cause of bladder stones. Common causes include:
- BPH (enlarged prostate) in men
- Bladder control which is affected by nerve damage
- Infections or inflammation of the bladder
- Renal calculi (kidney stones) that descend into the bladder and lodge there
- Bladder foreign bodies (e.g. fragments of a catheter)
- Diverticula (pouches in the wall of the bladder)
- Dehydration: It makes urine more concentrated.
Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Small bladder stones may not be apparent to the naked eye, but they are usually associated with symptoms, which may include lower abdominal pain, frequent urination and difficulty emptying the bladder. But large or multiple stones can lead to:
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Urination is so frequent, especially at night(sometimes more than 5 times)
- Problems with beginning or stopping urination
- Cloudy, dark, or bloody urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis
- Interrupted urine stream
- Blockage of the urethra (the tube that transports urine from the body) can occur in more severe instances
These symptoms are nonspecific and may resemble other urological conditions, so getting the diagnosis right is crucial.
How Do Healthcare Professionals Diagnose Bladder Stones?
A urologist will first take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam and then test his urine in one of the following ways:
- Urinalysis: to check for blood, infection or crystals
- Bladder ultrasound: A less invasive way to see the stones
- X-ray or CT scan: These can provide a clear image of the stone’s size and location.
- Cystoscopy – a slim tube with a camera is passed into the bladder so that stones can be seen directly
It is important to determine the diagnosis in order to address the treatment.
What Is The Treatment For Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones cannot be dissolved on their own. Removal: Your urologist may suggest 1 of the following removal methods, depending upon the size, quantity, and location:
1. Cystolitholapaxy (Endoscopic Bladder Stone Removal)
Your bladder stones are removed using a variety of methods.
This is most certainly one minimally invasive methods for elimination of bladder stones.
How it works:
- The instrument used is a cystoscope It is a narrow tube with a camera and laser or an ultrasonic probe at its end that is fitted into the urethra and passed into the bladder.
- The stone is imaged, fragmented with a laser or with a mechanical device, and extracted per cut or suction/drainage.
Benefits:
- No cuts or incisions
- With spinal or general anesthesia
- Rapid recovery (many times same day discharge)
- It works very well for stones 1-2cm.
2. Percutaneous Suprapubic Cystolithotomy
For larger stones or when transurethral access is not feasible.
How it works:
- An incision is performed in the suprapubic area.
- Direct visualization of the bladder is achieved with a scope
- through which the stone is broken out and scooped.
Why it’s done:
- In instances of very large bladder calculi
- When the urethra is narrow or injured
This is a little more invasive than it is with open surgery, but still safer and leads to good results if the right care is given after surgery.
3. Open Surgery (May be Necessary in some Instances)
Open surgery is now done very infrequently and includes:
- Very large or multiple stones
- Bladder tumors or diverticula synchronous with the EAEC_CONNACEMENT populations.
- Complexities resulting in bladder reconstruction
Nowadays, urologists turn to less invasive laser-assisted cystolitholapaxy or percutaneous methods due to quick recovery and lower complications.
After Bladder Stone Removal
Recovery times by type of procedure are:
- Cystolitholapaxy: The majority of patients are discharged home on the day of or the day after surgery. A 1 to 2 -day temporary catheter may be inserted.
- Keyhole or percutaneous surgery: You may need to stay in the hospital a little longer, but should make a full recovery in 7 to 10 days.
- Open cut: Could need a week or two to heal and be cared for
Post-procedure care includes:
- About 2–3 liters of water per day
- Using antibiotics if prescribed (if necessary)
- Take it easy for a couple of days
- follow-up visits for the purpose of avoiding recu-mittance
Can Bladder Stones Return?
Yes, particularly if the cause below isn’t addressed.
Prevent recurrence by:
- Staying well-hydrated
- Treating conditions such as prostate enlargement or infections
- Following the diet after knowledge of stone composition
- Regular urology checkups
FAQs on Bladder Stones Removal
Q.1: Do patients suffer pain during removal of bladder stone?
No, it’s done under anesthesia. Pain following surgery is generally mild and can be controlled with prescription medication.
Q.2: Is there any possibility that a bladder stone could cause kidney damage?
Yes: When left untreated, stones can obstruct the flow of urine, causing infections and damaging the kidneys.
Q.3: Can we remove bladder stones using laser?
Absolutely. Nowadays, laser cystolitholapaxy is one of the safest and most effective therapeutical means.
A.4: How long is the removal process?
Most treatments last 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size and number of stones.
Q.5: What are some lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of developing bladder stones?
Drink lots of water, treat infections promptly, keep the bladder healthy, and take the advice of your doctor.
Conclusion: Rely On The Expert For Safe Stone Removal
If you or a loved one has bladder stones, don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Such treatment not only eases pain but also spares the urinary tract from long-term damage.
For expert and sympathetic treatment, Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is considered best Kidney and Bladder Stone Doctor in Gurgaon. Once you mutually agree on the treatment plan with him, Dr. Gupta – best urologist in Delhi assures you that his treatment techniques are the 100% effective stone removal solution – more with world-class modern minimally invasive treatments such as laser cystolitholapaxy as well as the RIRS techniques.
With great success rate, years of experience and trust of thousands of patients across Delhi NCR, Dr. Deepanshu Gupta makes sure that you get the world-class treatment with the least of pain and best of results.
Schedule Your Consultation. Don’t wait any longer to start your stone free, pain free life.