Bladder stones are hardened deposits of minerals that form in the urinary tract, typically due to a high concentration of certain substances in the urine. They can develop when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, which increases the chances of minerals accumulating and crystallizing into stones.
Normally, the kidneys filter waste from the bloodstream, and the waste travels through the ureters to the bladder before being eliminated in urine. However, if these minerals aren’t properly flushed out, they can form bladder stones.
Signs and Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones often consist of a mix of minerals and other substances. If the bladder doesn’t empty completely, urine can become concentrated, causing these substances to crystallize into stones. Conditions like:
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Use of a bladder catheter
can all contribute to the formation of bladder stones.
Common Symptoms
Many people with bladder stones don’t experience any symptoms at all. However, for those who do, some of the most common signs include:
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
- Lower abdominal pain
- Frequent need to urinate
- Sudden urgency to urinate
- Difficulty controlling urine flow
Even larger bladder stones may go unnoticed if they don’t irritate the bladder or block urine flow. Symptoms tend to appear when the stone causes irritation or obstruction.
What Causes Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones typically form from a build-up of crystallized minerals, which can occur when the bladder doesn’t empty properly. These minerals can include:
- Uric acid
- Calcium oxalate
- Calcium phosphate
- Struvite
- Other substances
The build-up usually happens when the bladder can’t fully empty, but several factors or medical conditions may contribute to incomplete bladder emptying, including:
- Enlarged Prostate: This common condition in men can block the urethra, causing urine to stay in the bladder longer and potentially form stones.
- Neurogenic Bladder: Damage to the nerves controlling the bladder can prevent complete urination. This can be caused by conditions like strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological disorders.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): UTIs can cause swelling and inflammation in the urethra, blocking normal urine flow and making it harder to empty the bladder fully.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment to the pelvic area can cause inflammation, narrowing the urethra and making it more difficult to urinate.
- Kidney Stones: Stones that form in the kidneys may travel to the bladder and grow larger once there.
- Medical Devices: Using a bladder catheter may leave urine in the bladder, which can eventually crystallize into stones.
- Bladder Diverticula: These are small pouches in the bladder wall that can trap urine, leading to incomplete emptying and stone formation. They may develop due to nerve damage, blockages, or congenital factors.
Treating Bladder Stones
The urologists at Auxo Clinic offer several treatments for bladder stones, depending on their size and location. In some cases, stones may pass on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, larger stones often require treatment, which may include:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Using x-ray guidance, shock waves are directed at the stones to break them into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily through the urinary tract.
- Transurethral Cystolitholapaxy: A thin, fiber-optic instrument is inserted through the urethra to locate and remove the stones using a laser or small scooping basket.
- Percutaneous Suprapubic Cystolitholapaxy: For larger stones or in children, a small incision is made in the lower abdomen to access and break up the stones using larger instruments. A catheter is typically placed to help with urine flow during recovery.
- Open Suprapubic Cystolitholapaxy: If the stones are too large for other methods, a surgical incision is made in the abdomen to access and remove them. A catheter may be used post-surgery to assist with urination.
Bladder Stones vs. Kidney Stones
While both bladder stones and kidney stones are hard deposits that form from crystals in the urine, the key difference lies in where they develop and how they affect the body.
- Kidney Stones form when concentrated urine causes crystals to form in the kidneys. These stones may pass through the ureters and into the bladder, where they can then be eliminated through urination.
- Bladder Stones typically form when the bladder doesn’t fully empty, allowing minerals and other substances to crystallize and accumulate inside the bladder.
The key takeaway is that bladder stones usually indicate an issue with bladder drainage. If you’re experiencing any symptoms or have concerns about bladder stones, it’s important to seek professional care to assess and address the problem effectively.
