Bladder Stone Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

1. Bladder Stone Surgery: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Bladder stones, medically known as vesical calculi, can cause discomfort and a range of urinary symptoms. They develop within the urinary bladder and can vary in size, leading to symptoms such as pain during urination, blood in the urine (haematuria), frequent urination, intermittent urination, and even complete urinary obstruction. In this comprehensive blog, we delve into the world of bladder stones, covering symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for bladder stones. Dr. Niren Rao, known as the best urologist in Delhi, shares his insights to make this blog enriching. Continue reading to gain expert knowledge. Symptoms of Bladder Stones Bladder stones can manifest through a variety of symptoms, depending on their size and location within the bladder. The common symptoms include: 1. Pain during Passing Urine: The presence of bladder stones can lead to discomfort and pain during urination, often described as a sharp or burning sensation. 2. Blood in Urine (Haematuria): Bladder stones may irritate the bladder lining, causing blood to appear in the urine. Hematuria is a common sign of bladder stones. 3. Increased Frequency of Urination: Bladder stones can trigger frequent urges to urinate. Individuals may find themselves rushing to the bathroom more often than usual.

2. 4. Intermittency of Urination: Due to the obstruction of the bladder outlet, individuals may notice that their urine flow intermittently stops or becomes weak during urination. 5. Sudden Complete Stoppage/Inability to Pass Urine: Small bladder stones can get lodged in the urethra, leading to a sudden and complete inability to urinate. 6. Poor Flow of Urine: Bladder stones can disrupt the normal flow of urine, resulting in a weak or slow stream during urination. 7. Foul-Smelling Urine with Fever: In some cases, urine can become infected due to the presence of bladder stones. This may lead to foul-smelling urine accompanied by a fever. Diagnosis of Bladder Stones When presented with the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis. Urologists employ various diagnostic tools to detect bladder stones, including: 1. X-ray KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder): This basic imaging test can reveal the presence of bladder stones. 2. Ultrasound: Ultrasound examinations provide information about the size and location of bladder stones, as well as the overall health of the kidneys and the prostate. 3. NCCT KUB (Non-Contrast Computed Tomography of Kidney, Ureter, and Bladder): This advanced imaging technique offers precise details about the size, location, and hardness of bladder stones, making it the preferred method for detection. 4. Uroflowmetry: To rule out any narrowing of the urethra, urologists may perform uroflowmetry before planning surgery for bladder stone removal. 5. Urine Routine/Microscopy and Urine Culture: It is imperative to rule out urinary tract infections before proceeding with surgical interventions for bladder stones. Treatment Options for Bladder Stones The choice of treatment for bladder stones depends on factors such as the size of the stone and the patient's age. Following are the various methods employed to perform successful bladder stone surgery:

3. 1. Transurethral Cystolitholapaxy: In this method, a cystoscope equipped with a camera is introduced through the urethra into the bladder. The stone is visualized and fragmented into smaller pieces using laser or pneumatic lithoclast. These smaller fragments are then removed from the bladder. 2. Percutaneous Cystolithotomy (PCCL): For very large stones, a small incision (approximately 1-2cm) is made in the lower abdominal wall under endoscopic guidance. A nephroscope is used to enter the bladder, visualize the stone, break it into smaller fragments, and remove them. 3. Open Cystolithotomy: In some cases, particularly in small children to protect the urethra or older patients with enlarged prostates, an open surgical approach may be used. A small incision is made through the abdominal wall to access the bladder, remove the stone, and close the bladder with sutures. Conclusion Bladder stones can cause distressing urinary symptoms, but timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can alleviate these issues. With advances in medical technology and skilled urologists at the helm, bladder stone surgery offers effective solutions for patients. The choice of treatment method depends on factors like stone size and patient age, with options ranging from minimally invasive procedures to open surgery. If one is looking for a urology hospital in Delhi, they may visit Delhi Urology Hospital and consult with Dr. Niren Rao. At this hospital, the starting cost for bladder stone surgery is approximately Rs. 25,000. It's important to note that the actual cost may vary depending on factors such as the size of the stone, the chosen surgical method, and any additional medical services required.