The bladder, also known as the urinary bladder, is the organ that stores urine produced by the kidneys and allows the discharge of urine through the urethral canal when it reaches a certain capacity. In some cases, elevated levels of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and oxalate in the urine, compared to normal, can lead to the formation of stones in the bladder. These minerals accumulate and precipitate in the bladder, forming hard masses or clusters known as bladder stones.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones:

Bladder stones may not cause symptoms in every patient, but common symptoms that are often observed in patients include:

1.   - Burning and pain during urination.
2.   - Blood in the urine, either appearing light or dark.
3.   - Difficulty urinating.
4.   - Frequent urinary tract infections.
5.   - Pain in the testicular and penile areas in men.
6.   - Pain in the vaginal area in women.
7.   - Frequent urge to urinate.
8.   - Inability to completely empty the bladder.
9.   - Darker and foul-smelling urine.
10.   - Lower abdominal pain.
11.   - High fever and chills in case of infection.

The severity of symptoms, such as pain and burning sensations during urination, initially varies depending on the size and location of the bladder stone. In some cases, patients may not exhibit any symptoms, indicating that the symptoms are directly related to urinary tract obstructions caused by the stone(s) or urinary tract infections associated with the stone.

Treatment of Bladder Stones:

The majority of bladder stones result from underlying conditions such as prostate enlargement, urinary tract narrowing, and prostate cancer. Therefore, when planning treatment, it is crucial to accurately identify the underlying condition causing bladder stones and select an appropriate treatment method. It should be noted that treating the underlying disease that leads to urinary tract narrowing and the condition behind the bladder stone should not be neglected. However, the treatment of bladder stones varies depending on the size, location, and number of stones. Generally, stones smaller than 0.5 cm are expected to pass through the urethra on their own. For this purpose, some non-surgical additional treatment methods can be applied. Patients are advised to consume plenty of fluids or take a warm shower to help stones pass through the urinary tract smoothly. In some cases, pharmacological treatment methods may also be used both to alleviate pain and to relax the muscles for easier passage of the stone through the urinary canal. Typically, pain relievers and muscle relaxants are given to patients to ease pain and facilitate the opening of the urinary canal enough for the stone to pass. However, in cases where the bladder stones are larger than 0.5 cm or have a very hard structure, surgical methods are preferred. In closed surgery, where cystoscopy is used, the bladder stone is broken down using a laser by entering through the urethra. Additionally, in male patients, this procedure can be combined with prostate surgery. Surgical intervention can treat both prostate enlargement disease, which is a common cause of bladder stone formation, and bladder stones without the need for additional surgery. In some cases, where bladder stones are extremely large, referred to as giant stones, open surgery may be considered.

Laser breaking of bladder stone surgery

Can Bladder Stones Recur?

Yes, bladder stones can recur. If the factors leading to the formation of bladder stones are not treated or prevented, bladder stones can reoccur. Factors that can contribute to recurrence include inadequate fluid intake, urinary tract infections, conditions that obstruct urinary flow (e.g., prostate enlargement), or certain genetic factors.

Additionally, if bladder stones are a result of kidney stones in the kidneys, kidney stone recurrence can lead to bladder stone recurrence.

To prevent the recurrence of bladder stones, it is important to drink an adequate amount of water, treat urinary tract infections, address conditions that obstruct urinary flow, and maintain a balanced urinary pH level. In some cases, dietary and medication interventions may also be recommended to prevent bladder stone recurrence. Treatment options can vary depending on the size, location, and overall health of the patient.