Bladder stone

What is it?

A bladder stone is a stone that gets stuck in the bladder. It is rather uncommon: normally stones that are found in the bladder can be passed quickly. A bladder stone that does not pass can grow, making urinating difficult.

In patients who have had a bladder catheter or bladder probe for a prolonged period of time, crystals may deposit around the catheter. A stone can develop as a result.

Symptoms

In many cases, you do not notice any bladder stones. They are often too small to feel them or to cause other problems. Once the stones are a bit larger, they can make peeing more difficult. Pain and a burning sensation while urinating are characteristic symptoms of a bladder stone.

Bladder stones can also cause or prolong a bladder infection. The inflammation is accompanied by a burning pain when urinating, urinating small amounts of urine that look cloudy, an unpleasant smell, fever and a dull pain in the lower abdomen.

Treatment

If the stone is not too large, the urologist can remove it by cystoscopy, i.e. through the urethra (endocystolithotripsy).

Large stones can only be removed through abdominal surgery.

Latest publication date: 12/12/2023
Supervising author: Dr Ameye Filip