Understanding bladder stones: Causes, types, symptoms and management

Explore the causes, different types, and treatment options for bladder stones to manage this condition effectively.(Image: Canva)

Vesicular calculus, also known as bladder stones, are masses of minerals that form in the urinary bladder due to various reasons. They may be primary or secondary in nature.

Primary vesicle calculus often occur in urine that does not have any infection, and is sterile in nature. Such stones come down from the kidney, via the ureter, into the bladder, and increase in size. Oxalate stones are commonly seen in such conditions. They are mostly single and brownish black in colour. On examination, they can be hard and have spikes all over the surface (hence, they are also called mulberry stones). These spikes over the bladder stone may potentially irritate the bladder mucosa, which leads to the development of haematuria, that is, blood in urine.

Secondary vesicle calculi are commonly observed when there is some ore-existing infection (the urine is not sterile). Such stones are commonly made up of phosphates, and are something and soft. Phosphate stones are ivory-white in colour, and may also contain calcium and ammonium or magnesium as well. The organism that affects the bladder is most often Escherichia coli.

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Besides these, bladder stones may also be made up of uric acid and urate stones, which may be single or multiple, smooth and pale yellow in colour. They are not radio-opaque (may not be identified on X-rays).

There are many causes that can lead to the formation of urinary bladder stones. These include the presence of an infection, increased levels of calcium or oxalate in urine and presence of other conditions like gout. Bladder stones may also form in people who have been bed-ridden for long periods of time, or people with paraplegia.

Any obstruction to the flow of urine may also be a predisposing factor for the formation of stones in the urinary bladder. This obstruction may be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, a urethral stricture or anything that obstructs the neck of the bladder. A foreign body may also lead to bladder stones.

Urinary bladder stones are common in males, and are seen more in children. The frequency of micturition is increased, especially during the day. This is because when a person moves, the stone comes in contact with the trig one of the bladder and irritates it, this leading to micturition.

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Drinking plenty of water is recommended, and the urologist may advise procedures like cystoscopic litholapaxy or suprapubic open cystolithotomy to manage this condition.

FAQs about bladder stones:

1. What are vesicular calculi?

Vesicular calculi, also known as bladder stones, are masses of minerals that form in the urinary bladder.

2. What causes primary vesicle calculus?

Primary vesicle calculi occur in sterile urine and are commonly oxalate stones that come down from the kidney into the bladder.

3. What are the characteristics of secondary vesicle calculi?

Secondary vesicle calculi are associated with infections and are usually phosphate stones which are ivory-white and soft.

4. Can bladder stones be composed of other materials?

Yes, bladder stones can also be made up of uric acid and urate, which are pale yellow and not radio-opaque.

5. What are common causes of bladder stones?

Bladder stones can be caused by infections, high levels of calcium or oxalate in urine, and conditions like gout, among others.

6. Who is more likely to develop bladder stones?

Bladder stones are more common in males and children.

7. What symptoms are associated with bladder stones?

Increased frequency of micturition, especially during the day, due to irritation of the bladder by the stone.

8. How are bladder stones treated?

Drinking plenty of water and procedures like cystoscopic litholapaxy or suprapubic open cystolithotomy are recommended for managing bladder stones.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.