What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Calculi of Urinary Bladder
• Cystoliths
• Vesical Calculi

What are Urinary Bladder Stones? (Definition/Background Information)

• Urinary Bladder Stones are infrequently occurring calcium/ammonium/uric acid mineral deposit formations, caused due to a variety of conditions within the urinary system
• These include the presence of foreign bodies that cause a bladder obstruction, damage of nerve responsible for bladder function, and urinary tract infections

Who gets Urinary Bladder Stones? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Urinary Bladder Stones almost always are found in men
• Sometimes, children are also victims of these formations
• No racial or ethnic predisposition is seen

What are the Risk Factors for Urinary Bladder Stones? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Urinary Bladder Stone formation include:

• Children suffering persistent/recurrent dehydration and/or infection
• Children having a low-protein diet
• Young adult men, 30 years and over
• Conditions that cause an obstruction of bladder outlet
• If the nerve responsible for bladder function is damaged due to medical illnesses, such as stroke, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, injury to spinal cord, etc.
• Bladder inflammation due to frequent urinary tract infection (UTI)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Urinary Bladder Stones? (Etiology)

There are several reasons for Urinary Bladder Stone formation. Most of these are associated with problems of the urinary tract and other related organs.

• These include UTI, neurogenic bladder (lack of bladder control due to nerve problem), and weakened bladder wall causing pouch formations that accumulate urine (bladder diverticulum)
• Crystallization of minerals in the urine bladder occur when the urine is concentrated and get stagnated, or is not emptied out completely
• The presence of foreign bodies and medical devices, like catheters, contraceptive devices in the bladder, could occasionally lead to stone formation
• Bladder Stones are often seen with other conditions such as, an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), bladder outlet obstruction due to tumors, etc.
• Expelled small kidney stones, trace a path down the ureter and may sometimes develop to be Bladder Stones

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Bladder Stones?

The presence of Urinary Bladder Stones may result in blocked urine flow or causes bladder wall irritation. These lead to signs and symptoms that include, but are not limited to:

• Abdominal pain, discomfort and/or feeling of pressure
• Problems while urinating; severe discomfort/pain, difficulty, frequent urge, interrupted flow, loss of urine control
• Change in urine color (cloudy, dark), urine may contain blood
• Urinary tract infection, fever
• Enlarged prostate
• In some cases, the stones may cause hardly any noticeable sign or symptom (asymptomatic Bladder Stones)

How are Urinary Bladder Stones Diagnosed?

The physician may perform a physical evaluation including a rectal examination, and other diagnostic lab tests to detect and establish the presence of Urinary Bladder Stones. The diagnostic tests include:

• Physical exam with medical history
• Analysis of urine and urine culture
• Examination of the urethra and bladder with special instruments, called cystoscopy
• Spiral CT scan of the bladder area (to identify small stones)
• Ultrasound scan of bladder
• X-ray studies of the pelvic, lower abdominal region
• Intravenous pyelogram of kidney and bladder
• Chemical analysis of bladder stone

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Urinary Bladder Stones?

Complications due to Urinary Bladder Stones are mostly caused due to the lack of proper treatment, or due to stones that are not removed. These include:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Complete obstruction of urethra causing acute kidney damage
• Permanent bladder dysfunction

How are Urinary Bladder Stones Treated?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment (which is the removal of stones and addressing the causal factors) is the key to speedy recovery from the condition. A surgical intervention may be required to remove Urinary Bladder Stones in some cases, if other treatment methods prove insufficient:

• Smaller stones maybe removed by drinking large quantities of water, in an attempt to wash down the stones by increased urination. But, all stones may not get expelled by this method
• A cystoscope (instrument, similar to an endoscope) may be inserted into the bladder, by the urologist to remove the stones after breaking them. This procedure is called cystolitholapaxy and is performed under general/regional anesthesia
• An open surgery may be performed to remove stones
• Drugs are usually not helpful in dissolving the stones; hence, they are not frequently used

How can Urinary Bladder Stones be Prevented?

The preventive measures for Urinary Bladder Stone formation include:

• Infections of the urinary tract or other urinary bladder conditions should be treated at the earliest, without any delay
• Always drink plenty of water, and other fluids to keep the urinary system robust and functionally effective. Also, avoid holding urine in the bladder often, for long periods of time
• Be prompt in seeking medical attention if any signs and symptoms indicating Urinary Bladder Stones, or other urinary discomfort are observed

What is the Prognosis of Urinary Bladder Stones? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Proper and timely treatment of Urinary Bladder Stones can help prevent permanent damage to the bladder or other organs. The prognosis is good in such cases where the stones can be removed or expelled completely
• There are chances of recurrence of the stones, if initial treatment measures are inadequate or improper
• Long-lasting damage with infections, prolonged agony and discomfort might occur, if management of the condition is delayed

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Urinary Bladder Stones:

In some geographic regions, the use of medicinal herbs to prevent or treat Urinary Bladder Stones is practiced. However, this is a branch of alternative medicine and is not proven to be effective with current and established medical practices.