Bladder Stones – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

1. Bla???r Sto??? – Ca?s??, Di?g???is, an? Tre????n? Op?i??s Bladder stones are tiny crystals that form in the urine and are caused by the accumulation of minerals. They come in many shapes and sizes and are most common in men. Bladder stones can occur if the bladder is not completely emptied after urination. In this article, Dr. Niren Rao, an expert urologist, discusses the causes, diagnosis, and treatments available to treat bladder stones. The leading doctor is widely known for performing the best Bladder Stone Surgery in Delhi. Keep reading to learn more. Bladder Stones: An Overview Bladder stones are similar to hard lumps and may not cause any symptoms if they are small enough to be passed out of the bladder during urination. But most individuals experience symptoms as the stones irritate the wall of the bladder or might block the urine’s flow. The common symptoms of bladder stones are as below:

2. ● Severe lower abdominal pain and men could also have pain around their penis ● Facing pain or difficulty while peeing ● Urinating more often at night ● Cloudy or dark-colored urine ● Blood in the urine ● Intermittency of urination, i.e. due to obstruction of bladder opening, the patient might observe that the flow of urine stops or gets affected while passing urine ● Increased frequency of urine Note: Most cases of bladder stones affect men over 50 or older because they are linked with prostate enlargement. However, both men and women can get bladder stones. If one suffers from any of the symptoms mentioned above, one can consult Dr. Niren Rao, the Best Urologist in Delhi at the Delhi Urology Hospital for an effective treatment. What Causes Bladder Stones? The following are the conditions that may contribute to the formation of bladder stones: Infection Bacteria can cause infections in the bladder or inflammation. UTIs are considered a common cause of bladder stones. A survey shows that men develop more bladder stones, but women suffer more bladder infections than men. Since women have shorter urethras, there is a shorter path for the bacteria to enter the bladder. Damaged Urethra The urethra also tends to be injured by any disease or illness. It could become narrow and block the flow of urine from the body. An Enlarged Prostate Gland The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which is a thin tube that transports urine from the bladder during urination. If the prostate gland enlarges, it can press against the urethra and interfere with one’s urination process. Weak Bladder The bladder's walls could develop pouches in certain places that bulge outward. These pouches can be used to gather and store urine.

3. Kidney Stones Though kidney stones differ completely in their development, they can become bladder stones when they reach the bladder. Smaller stones could develop in the kidneys and travel down the ureters, two tubes that transport urine from the kidneys into the bladder. This can also cause bladder problems. Smaller kidney stones can pass through the urine, but others might become large and require the help of an expert doctor to be removed. How are Bladder Stones Diagnosed? Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist at Delhi Urology Hospital, will ask the patient to undergo a few investigations to detect bladder stones. These include: Physical Examination: A physical examination will follow the symptoms the patient mentioned to the doctor. The experts will check if the abdomen is bloated, followed by an elaborate discussion of the bladder stone symptoms between the doctor and the patient. Ultrasound and X-ray: All these tests will help one see a clear image of the bladder. Ultrasound can detect stones despite their shape and size. Urine Test: The urine sample will be examined to track if one is suffering from any urinary tract infection and to review the level of blood, salt, and other minerals. NCCT Kub: This is again done for detecting stones. It tells the exact size and location of the bladder stones and stones in the kidney. Uroflowmetry: This is performed to rule out the narrowing of the urine passage before planning a bladder stone surgery. How are Bladder Stones Treated? Dr. Niren Rao chooses one of the below methods to perform bladder stone surgery in Delhi. The surgery is chosen depending on the size of the stone or the patient’s age. The methods used are: 1. Transurethral Cystolitholapaxy: During this procedure, the expert urologist uses a small tube with a camera at one end, which is introduced inside the bladder to detect stones. The stones are located and broken out into smaller particles with the help of a laser or pneumatic lithoclast. These particles are then completely removed from the bladder. 2. Percutaneous Cystolithotomy PCCL: During this procedure, the doctor makes an incision around 1-2 cm in the lower abdominal wall in the bladder. A telescope is made to enter the

4. bladder to locate the stones and break them into smaller pieces. This procedure is commonly used for larger stones. 3. Open Cystolithotomy: To prevent damage to the urethra in smaller children and for old patients with a large prostate, an open surgical method is used to remove stones. During an open cystolithotomy, the experts make a small incision through the skin and in the bladder during this method. The stone is then removed, and the bladder gets stitched back. Can Bladder Stones Be Avoided or Prevented? There are several factors that help prevent or avoid bladder stones. These include the following: ● Avoid smoking ● Avoid taking illegal drugs ● Consult the doctor about any medical conditions that cause bladder stones ● Treat a UTI at the earliest ● Stay healthy. Take a balanced diet and avoid food high in fat, sugar, and salt ● Do not wait to see the doctor if one notices any symptoms Final Takeaway Every body part has specific functions essential to leading a healthy and balanced life. One should not restrain themselves from conveying the problems to the doctor, as this will worsen the condition. Instead, one should be outspoken about their symptoms. Dehydration is the root cause of bladder stones. Early treatment of bladder stones can relieve symptoms, stop the growth of stones, and prevent serious health hazards. Therefore, do not wait for the symptoms to get severe. Take the doctor’s advice immediately if one feels like having symptoms of bladder stones. If one overlooks the symptoms, it could lead to an increase in the growth of bladder stones. For more information about Bladder Stone Surgery in Delhi, book a consultation with Dr. Niren Rao, a leading urologist at Delhi Urology Hospital.