Bladder stones – Other Things To Know

Bladder stones are very commonly heard of and its history dates back to 4800 BC when the oldest bladder stone was discovered in Egypt. It is also known as bladder calculi and is an uncommon cause of illness in most of the Western countries but they result in particular symptoms and cause major discomfort.

The history of bladder stones mentions its presence in time even earlier than Hippocrates. Bladder stones have been treated both medically and surgically for many centuries and Indian surgeon Sushruta was among the first to write about perineal lithotomy to treat bladder calculi, including detailed descriptions of the surgery, including preoperative and postoperative care and management. In the early 1800s, incisions were avoided and hence an alternative form of surgical treatment called transurethral lithotrity was used. It included the passing of large wooden or cartilage cannulas through urethra succeeded by manual aspiration of stones from the bladder. There was also another technique of passing a long nail via the urethra and striking it with hammer to fracture the stone.

The first modern technological development was manifested as fenestrated lithotrite. This device allowed stones to be grasped and crushed so their fragments could be evacuated from the bladder via glass or metal suction bottles. The first endoscopic electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) was first performed in the Soviet Union in 1950s.

And the next five decades have seen tremendous progress in the field of bladder stones treatment with advancement of new technology. With such progress, the incidences of primary bladder calculi in U.S. has been continuously decreasing due to increased awareness, improved diet, nutrition, and infection control. Mostly adults are affected with stones rather than children, mostly men over 50 and mostly have associated bladder outlet obstruction. However, this problem remains common in developing countries.

It should be known that as Bladder Stone itself is a problem, its removal and treatment are always indicated. Recurrence can be prevented by managing the cause of stone formation which may be infections, diet, bladder outlet obstruction or foreign body etc.

The problem of bladder stone in men may be caused due to anatomical problem of prostate enlargement that leads to vesical obstruction which impedes the urine flow. Due to this blockage, it may result in the deposition of layer upon layer of new stone material.

In women, the typical findings are cystoceles, enteroceles, or findings of prior urethral surgery which increase the residue. Also, if any foreign body cannot escape the bladder, it is calcified and it eventually gets formed into a stone.

One should have healthy food and plenty of fluids to avoid bladder stones.