+918376837285 [email protected]

Bladder Stone Removal

Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder, usually when urine becomes concentrated and the minerals in it crystallize. They can cause pain, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine. Bladder stones often develop due to underlying conditions like an enlarged prostate, urinary tract infections, or bladder problems that prevent the bladder from fully emptying.

Bladder stone removal is a procedure used to get rid of these stones. The most common method is cystolitholapaxy, where a small tube with a camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder, and the stones are broken into smaller pieces and removed. In some cases, if the stones are too large, open surgery may be needed. After removal, treating the underlying cause of bladder stones is important to prevent them from coming back.

Book an Appointment

About Bladder Stone Removal

Bladder removal surgery, known as cystectomy, involves the complete or partial removal of the bladder. This procedure is primarily performed to treat bladder cancer, severe bladder dysfunction, or other serious medical conditions affecting the bladder.

Symptoms of Bladder Stones

Bladder stones can cause a range of symptoms, but some people may not experience any at first. The most common symptoms include:

  1. Pain in the Lower Abdomen: Many people feel sharp or constant pain in the lower belly, especially when urinating.

  2. Difficulty Urinating: Bladder stones can block the flow of urine, making it hard to start or continue urinating. Some people may also experience a weak urine stream.

  3. Frequent Urination: You may feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia).

  4. Pain or Discomfort During Urination: Urinating can become painful or cause a burning sensation due to the presence of stones.

  5. Blood in Urine: The stones may irritate the bladder lining, causing bleeding and making urine appear pink or red.

  6. Cloudy or Dark Urine: This can happen if the stones cause infection or irritation.

Causes of Bladder Stones

Bladder stones form when urine in the bladder becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and harden. There are several causes for this:

  1. Incomplete Bladder Emptying: If the bladder doesn’t fully empty during urination, leftover urine becomes concentrated, leading to stone formation. This can happen due to conditions like an enlarged prostate or nerve damage that affects bladder control.

  2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Repeated infections can cause minerals to collect and form stones in the bladder.

  3. Bladder Diverticula: Pockets or pouches in the bladder wall can trap urine, making it harder to fully empty, which increases the risk of stone formation.

  4. Foreign Objects: Devices like catheters can sometimes lead to stone formation if they irritate the bladder or cause infections.

  5. Diet and Dehydration: Not drinking enough water leads to more concentrated urine, which increases the chance of bladder stones.

Types of Bladder Stones Removal Surgeries

Bladder stone removal can be done through two main types of procedures, depending on the size and number of stones: cystolitholapaxy and open surgery.

1. Cystolitholapaxy (Minimally Invasive)

This is the most common method to remove bladder stones. Here’s how it works:

  • A thin tube called a cystoscope with a camera is inserted through the urethra into the bladder.
  • The doctor views the stones and uses laser, ultrasound, or mechanical devices to break them into small pieces.
  • The small stone fragments are then flushed out or removed with the scope.
  • This procedure is usually done under general or spinal anesthesia, meaning you won’t feel any pain during the surgery.

Recovery is faster with cystolitholapaxy, and it is less invasive.

2. Open Surgery

If the stones are too large or there are other complications, open surgery might be necessary:

  • The doctor makes a small incision in the lower abdomen to directly access the bladder.
  • The stones are then removed manually.

Open surgery is more invasive and has a longer recovery period but is needed in some cases.

After either procedure, addressing the underlying cause of bladder stones is essential to prevent them from recurring.

Risks with Bladder removal surgery

Bladder removal surgery (cystectomy) comes with several risks. Common risks include:

  1. Infection: There's a chance of developing an infection at the surgery site or in the urinary tract.

  2. Bleeding: Some patients may experience significant bleeding during or after the surgery.

  3. Anesthesia Complications: Reactions to anesthesia can occur, though they are rare.

  4. Urinary Issues: After surgery, patients may have problems with urination, such as incontinence or difficulty emptying the bladder.

  5. Changes in Sexual Function: Men may experience erectile dysfunction, while women may have changes in sexual sensation.

Remedies: The primary form of treatment for the condition is surgical bladder stone removal. Treatment options include surgeries that are minimally invasive, open surgery for larger stones, and cystolitholapaxy, which entails using ultrasound or laser treatment to break down the stones before removing them with a cystoscope. Moreover, changing your diet, consuming more water, and attending to underlying health issues are a few examples of preventative measures that may help decrease the frequency of recurring bladder stones.

Procedure of Bladder Stone Removal

The treatment procedure of bladder stone removal follows certain steps:

  • Preoperative Evaluation: To determine the size, number, and position of bladder stones, the patient has preoperative assessments that include a review of their medical history, a physical examination, and imaging tests (such as CT or ultrasound).
  • Anesthesia Administration: During the process, anesthesia is given to the patient in order to assure their comfort and safety. This could involve either spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia, based on the surgeon's preference and the patient's health.
  • Cystoscopy: The bladder is reached through the urethra to implant a cystoscope, a thin tube equipped with a camera and light. With the cystoscope, the surgeon views the bladder and finds the stones.
  • Stone Fragmentation: To break up stones, techniques including laser or ultrasonic lithography are employed. By using these techniques, stones become smaller and easier to remove.
  • Stone Removal: The fractured stones are surgically removed from the bladder using a tube called a cystoscope and specialized equipment. Larger pieces can be removed with graspers, but smaller pieces can be washed away with irrigation.
  • Bladder irrigation: The bladder can be irrigated with a saltwater solution to ensure that all of the stone particles are emptied out and to prevent aggravating the urinary tract.
  • Postoperative Care: After the procedure, the patient is monitored in the recovery room until fully awake and stable. Postoperative instructions are provided, including wound care, pain management, and guidelines for resuming normal activities. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor recovery and assess for any complications.

Require Assistance?

Get A Quick Callback From Our Healthcare Experts

Other Specilities We Cover

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) Surgery In India

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

TURP Surgery In India

TURP Surgery

Nephrectomy Surgery In India

Nephrectomy Surgery

Latest Blogs

Best Cancer Specialists in Thailand

When faced with a cancer diagnosis, finding the right specialist is one of the most critical decisio...

Read More...

Breast Augmentation in Turkey

Over the past decade, the number of individuals traveling to Turkey for medical purposes has steadil...

Read More...

Coronary Bypass Surgery in Thailand

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, often sneaking up on ...

Read More...