Bladder stones

Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder.

The pathophysiology of bladder stone formation involves supersaturation of urine with stone-forming substances, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. This leads to nucleation, where these substances begin to aggregate and form crystals. Over time, these crystals grow into larger stones.

The incidence of bladder stones is higher in developing countries, with an estimated rate of 8.3 per 100,000 person-years in Indonesia. The incidence of bladder stones after bladder augmentation or vesicoenterocystostomy is estimated at 2-53%.

Risk factors for bladder stone formation include urinary stasis, prostate enlargement, UTIs, spinal cord injury, and certain bladder procedures such as bladder augmentation or vesicoenterocystostomy.

Clinically, bladder stones can present with a variety of symptoms, including hematuria, lower abdominal pain, and difficulties with urination, such as dysuria, urinary frequency, urgency, or incontinence. In some cases, bladder stones may also cause acute urinary retention.

The prognosis of bladder stones is generally good with appropriate treatment, but they can lead to complications if left untreated.