Bladder Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Bladder stones are among the conditions that can easily be identified and expressed. They generally do not form spontaneously and may result from other underlying health conditions or issues related to the kidneys.

Conditions like prostate enlargement, prostate cancer, or even kidney stones falling into the bladder can lead to bladder stones. Nowadays, bladder stones can be quickly diagnosed, and treatment can be efficiently managed through medications or surgical methods.

Bladder Stone Surgery can be performed using either closed or open surgery methods.

Closed bladder stone surgery involves accessing the bladder through the lower urinary tract, and it helps resolve any underlying bladder issues that caused the stone formation. If the stone is large, an open bladder stone surgery may be necessary.

How is Bladder Stone Surgery Performed in İzmir?
Treatment Details
Operation: Bladder Stone Surgery
Procedure: Stones in the bladder are typically broken up through a closed procedure, but if there are many or very large stones, a small incision may be made in the lower abdomen to remove them.
Duration: 1 Hour
Hospital Stay: 1 Day
Anesthesia: General or spinal anesthesia
Recovery Time: 2-3 Days
Return to Work (School): 7-10 Days
Scarring: Yes, in open surgery
Pain Duration: 24-48 Hours

There are both open and closed methods for treating bladder stones, but the development of surgical technologies, the lack of scarring, and the shorter recovery times make closed surgery more preferred. The decision to perform open or closed surgery is typically based on the stone's size.

If a patient has both prostate enlargement and a large bladder stone, they can often be treated with open surgery. However, new laser technologies and closed or robotic systems are also options. Endoscopic (closed) bladder stone surgery is the most common method.

Generally, endoscopic tools are used to access the urinary tract and reach the bladder. Once there, mechanical or laser methods are employed to break the stone, and the fragments are removed. A catheter is often inserted after the surgery to help with sterilization and ease of urination.

The patient remains in the hospital for one night under observation and is typically discharged within 1-2 days unless complications arise. Recovery is generally quick, and patients return to normal life promptly.

Other Bladder Stone Treatment Options:

• Percutaneous Cystolithotripsy: A needle is inserted through the skin, and a tube is placed in the bladder through which the stone is broken and removed.
• Infections or nerve disorders that affect bladder function can also lead to bladder stones, especially in men with prostate enlargement.

Bladder stones can be a serious health issue, potentially leading to kidney damage if left untreated.

Important Information About Bladder Stone Surgery:
Bladder stones can form due to various causes, such as stones from the kidneys falling into the bladder. If there is a blockage at the bladder outlet, the stone may remain and grow. Chronic urinary retention or catheter use can also lead to stone formation.

To prevent stone formation, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, limit salt and protein intake, and maintain physical activity.

How Long Does Recovery Take After Bladder Stone Surgery? Recovery times vary based on the type of surgery, the patient's overall health, and the bladder's healing process. Small bladder surgeries typically require only a few days to heal, while more complex surgeries may take weeks or even months.

Does Bladder Stone Damage the Kidneys? Normally, bladder stones do not cause kidney damage unless they become large enough to block urine flow or cause recurrent infections that spread to the kidneys.

Bladder Stone Surgery Costs in İzmir: The cost of bladder stone surgery depends on the type of surgery, the hospital, and the expertise of the doctor. For specific pricing information, it is recommended to consult with a specialist.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How is Bladder Stone Surgery Performed?
During the surgery, doctors use a needle to access the bladder. This hole is then enlarged, and a tube is placed inside. Special tools are used through the tube to break the stones, which are then removed. The surgery can be performed under general or spinal anesthesia.

How Long Does Closed Bladder Stone Surgery Take?
The procedure typically lasts 2-3 hours and is performed by a urologist and a radiologist. Compared to traditional open surgeries, closed surgeries have a lower risk of bleeding and infection.

Do Bladder Stones Cause Pain?
Bladder stones may not cause symptoms in every patient, but in some cases, they can cause pain. Common symptoms include burning or pain during urination, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating.