Bladder Calculus Diagnosis and Treatment by Top Doctors at Mercy

Bladder calculus is known to the general public as a bladder stone. They are a solid object or crystal structures in the bladder. They can form when urine is very concentrated or when one is dehydrated. There can be more than one bladder stone and they vary in size, shape and texture. Sometimes bladder stones develop from kidney or bladder infection. Stones – kidney, bladder, or ureteral – are more common among middle-aged and older adults and men.

In some cases, bladder stones have no symptoms at all. Some patients complain of severe lower abdomen or back pain, difficult, painful or frequent urination and blood in the urine. The pain may come in waves and cause nausea and vomiting as well. The symptoms are very similar to kidney stone symptoms.

Diagnosis may require:

• Urinalysis
• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• Cystoscopy
• CT Scan

Staying hydrated is the best way to help prevent bladder stones. Some research indicates citrus juices aid in preventing the development of bladder stones.  Increasing fluid intake may help smaller bladder stones escape the body, but larger stones may require:

• Laser lithotripsy to break up stones into smaller pieces that can then be eliminated through the urine
• Surgery for very large stones