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Bladder stones are mineral-bound urine that cannot pass through the urethra due to blockage. They are caused by poor diet, enlarged prostate, urinary catheters, or infections. Diagnosis involves X-rays or cystoscopy, and treatment includes surgery, antibiotics, and dietary changes. Recurrence can be prevented with proper education and care.
Bladder stones, more formally called bladder stones, are large crystallized forms of mineral-bound urine that cannot pass through the urethra due to blockage of urine. While once quite common in the Western world, the risk of developing bladder stones has significantly decreased thanks to the availability of better diagnostics, antibiotics and better nutritional health. Underdeveloped countries with little access to the above report the highest incidence of bladder stones.
The urethra can be blocked by mineral imbalances caused by poor diet, an enlarged prostate gland, long-term presence of urinary catheters, or urinary tract infections. Most bladder stones cause no symptoms on their own, but their predisposing conditions do. Most sufferers find that their urine output is painful, significantly reduced, or completely blocked. Prolonged urinary tract infections can cause chronic bladder pain or blood in the urine.
When urine output causes severe pain or stops completely, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Usually, the doctor orders X-rays to visualize the presence of stones. If the x-ray fails to show bladder stones correctly, a doctor may perform a cystoscopy. During cystoscopy, a catheter with a tiny camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder to determine the presence of stones. The cystoscope can also look for a blockage of urine flow.
Once bladder stones are diagnosed, the underlying causes are treated when possible. Enlarged prostate can sometimes be treated surgically. Those with urinary tract infections are usually given antibiotics. Urinary catheters are replaced as needed. Often, when urinary catheters aren’t replaced as directed, they can lead to significant infection and blockage. Dietary changes to reduce some mineral deposits may also be recommended.
Your doctor should also look into the presence of bladder stones. Some chemicals, once placed in the bladder, can dissolve stones and help them pass through the urethra. With cystoscopy, shock treatments directed at the stones can cause them to break into small pieces that are either removed by the cystoscope or allowed to pass through. Urination after surgical removal of bladder stones can be quite painful for several weeks. You should consult your doctor about when to contact him if urination remains painful after a few weeks.
Most patients who have bladder stones surgically removed are able to return to normal activities within two to three weeks. Additional steps should be taken to prevent stone recurrence when possible, including treatment of urinary tract infections, possible dietary modifications, and further education on catheter use and requirements.
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