Definition

Bladder stones are hard buildups of mineral that form in the urinary bladder.

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain, pressure
• Abnormally colored or dark-colored urine
• Blood in the urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Inability to urinate except in certain positions
• Interruption of the urine stream
• Pain, discomfort in the penis
• Urinary tract infection
• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Fever
• Urinary urgency

Incontinence may also be associated with bladder stones.

Treatment

Removal of stones that do not pass on their own using a cystoscope (a small tube that passes through the urethra to the bladder-Cystolitholapaxy).

Larger stones may need to be removed using open surgery.