Bladder Stones

Aetiology

Bladder stones commonly occur when the urine remains inside the bladder for an extended period. The remaining waste products (protein, potassium and salt) build-up, become concentrated, and, as a result, start to crystallize.

Several disorders/surgeries may contribute to the condition, such as:

• Bladder augmentation: Tissue from the bowels is used to enlarge the bladder in order to improve its function. However, the procedure can cause urine to collect inside the bladder.
• Bladder diverticula: Diverticula are cave-like entrances or pockets within dense structures such as the bladder and intestines. These formations make it incredibly challenging to contain urine and empty the bladder of its remaining contents.
• Droopy bladder: Droopy bladder occurs directly after childbirth. The supportive ligaments and muscles that suspend the bladder begin to stretch and weaken.

Treatment

An urologist, a highly qualified specialist, is the best person to remove bladder stones with precision and care.

• Cystolitholapaxy is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the use of a lighted scope (cystoscope) to locate and remove the stone from the bladder through the urethra.
• Surgery: When the stone is abnormally large, a tiny incision is made using a scalpel to remove it from the abdomen. When the stone forms due to benign prostate hyperplasia, your urologist helps remove the tissue that’s responsible for the obstruction of the urethra.