What is Bladder Stone?
Bladder stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the bladder. These stones can occur as a result of urine remaining in the bladder or not being fully emptied. Bladder stones are usually small, but they can grow larger over time and can cause urinary tract infections, pain, and difficulty urinating.
Here are the main causes of bladder stones:
- Urinary retention:When the bladder cannot be completely emptied, urine remains in the bladder, which can lead to stone formation.
- Urinary tract infections:Recurrent infections can encourage bladder stones to form.
- Bladder outlet obstruction:Conditions such as prostate enlargement or urethral stricture can block the flow of urine from the bladder.
- Neurogenic bladder: bladder not emptying normally due to system problems.
- Foreign bodies: Catheters or stents in the bladder can contribute to stone formation.
What are the Bladder Stone Treatment Methods?
It varies depending on the size, number and cause of the stones. Here are the main treatment methods:
1. Self-Passage
Drinking Plenty of Water: Small stones can be passed from the bladder naturally by drinking plenty of water. This method is usually effective for stones smaller than 1 cm.
2. Medical Treatment
Medications: Antibiotics or painkillers may be used to treat urinary tract infections or other symptoms caused by bladder stones.
3. Surgical Intervention
- Cystoscopic Stone Breaking (Transurethral Cystolitholapaxy):An endoscopic instrument is used to enter the bladder and break the stones into pieces. The fragmented stones are then removed.
- Percutaneous Cystolitholapaxy: A needle or tube is inserted into the bladder through the skin and the stones are broken and removed. This method is usually preferred for large stones.
- Open Surgery: A surgical incision is made into the bladder for very large or complicated stones and the stones are removed. This method is rarely used and is usually preferred when other methods fail.
4. Laser Treatment
Holmium Laser: Using laser energy, the stones are broken into smaller pieces and removed.
5. Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Stones are broken using high-energy shock waves from outside the body. This method is mostly used for kidney stones, but in some cases it can also be applied to bladder stones.
6. Lifestyle and Diet Changes
Nutrition Adjustments: Some types of stones are related to diet, so your doctor may recommend a special diet plan to prevent stone formation.
Regular Check-ups: Regular doctor check-ups are important to prevent recurring stone formation.
7. Post-Procedure Care
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water and ensuring that urine does not remain in the bladder.
Dietary Changes: Following diets that regulate calcium, oxalate and uric acid levels.
Regular Checkups: Having regular checkups to prevent new stones from forming.
Bladder stone treatment varies depending on the size of the stones and the patient's general health. It is important to consult a urologist to determine the most appropriate treatment method.
Patient Questions and Answers
Question: What is bladder stone surgery like?
Answer: Bladder stone surgery involves removing stones from the bladder with endoscopic instruments or surgical incisions. The most common methods are cystoscopy and percutaneous cystolitholapaxy.
Question: Will I feel pain during the surgical procedure?
Answer: No, the surgical procedure is usually performed under general or spinal anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure.
Question: How long will I stay in the hospital after surgical treatment?will it be necessary?
Answer: The recovery period varies depending on the surgical method. After endoscopic procedures, you can usually return to your normal activities within a few days. Full recovery after open surgery can take several weeks.
Question: Will I feel pain or discomfort after surgical treatment?
Answer: Yes, it is normal to feel mild pain or discomfort after surgery. This can usually be controlled with painkillers.
Question: What should I pay attention to after surgical treatment?
Answer: It is important to drink plenty of water, use the medications prescribed by your doctor regularly, and avoid heavy physical activity. You should also be alert for signs of infection.
Question: Is bladder stone surgery risky?
Answer: Like any surgical procedure, bladder stone surgery carries some risks. These include infection, bleeding, bladder damage, and complications from anesthesia. However, these risks are generally low and can be managed by your surgeon.
Question: Do bladder stones reoccur after surgery?
Answer: Yes, bladder stones can reoccur even after surgery. It is important to take in enough fluids, follow up regularly, and follow the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor to reduce the risk of reoccurrence.
Question: Is there difficulty urinating after surgery?
Answer: You may experience temporary discomfort or difficulty urinating after surgery. This usually resolves within a few days. However, if you experience severe pain or difficulty urinating, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Question: Do I need to change my eating habits after surgery?
Answer: Yes, you may need to change some of your eating habits. Your doctor will give you special dietary recommendations to prevent stone formation. This usually includes avoiding foods high in salt and oxalates and drinking plenty of water.