Bladder Stones

What are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones are crystallized minerals formed when urine is not passed completely from the bladder and it hardens.

What causes Bladder Stones?

Some of the common conditions that lead to bladder stones are:

• Prostate enlargement
• Damaged urethra
• Urinary tract infections
• Neurogenic bladder
• Bladder inflammation
• Kidney stones

What are the symptoms of Bladder Stones?

Symptoms of bladder stones include:

• Frequent urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Painful urination
• Red or brown colored urine
• Urinary incontinence

How are Bladder Stones diagnosed?

The following lab tests help diagnose bladder stones:

Urinalysis

The checks urine for crystallization and infection.

Ultrasound

The images of ultrasound reveal the presence or absence of stones.

Intravenous pyelogram

A dye is used to highlights unusual formations inside the bladder.

X-rays

X-rays show inside of the bladder and reveals abnormalities if any.

What are the treatments for Bladder Stones?

The treatment for bladder stones varies according to their size. Some of the treatment options are:

Cystolitholapaxy

A cystoscope is used to locate the stones in the bladder. Laser, ultrasound or mechanical devices are used to break the stones and flush them out of the bladder.

Surgical Removal

The surgery is performed to remove the stones or in severe cases, the bladder itself.