Diagnostics

Bladder Stones

Bladder stones are caused by a build-up of minerals in the bladder. They occur when the bladder does not empty completely after urination and the remaining urine becomes concentrated; this creates an environment for the minerals in the fluid to become crystals.

Sometimes these bladder stones can be expelled spontaneously while they are still very small. Other times, the stones remain in the lower bladder, without symptoms, and gradually build up into a larger stone over time.

Bladder stones can therefore remain in the bladder for some time and do not always cause symptoms. They may even be found incidentally during an X-ray examination. Some stones are almost spherical, while others may be irregularly shaped. In addition, they can measure from a few millimeters to several centimeters.

This condition is more common in men over 50.

What are the symptoms of bladder stones?

Symptoms may include:

Discomfort or pain in the penis.
Hesitation to start urinating.
Pain in the suprapubic area.
Pain and discomfort during urination.
Blood in the urine (hematuria).
Cloudy urine.

What are the associated conditions for developing bladder stones?

Neurogenic bladder.
Complication of benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Indwelling urinary catheter.
Chronic urinary bladder infection.
Diverticulum of the bladder.
Cystocele: rather rare in women.

What are the possible complications of bladder stones?

Bladder dysfunction: frequent, painful and uncomfortable urination. Sometimes bladder stones can even create an obstruction.
Repeated infections of the urinary tract.

What are the tests to diagnose bladder stones?

Urinalysis: presence of microscopic hematuria.
Computed tomography.
Pelvic ultrasound.
Plain X-ray of the abdomen.
Cystoscopy

What are the treatments for bladder stones?

The treatment of bladder stones of a few centimeters is cystolitholapaxy which is performed through the urethra using a laser and a fragmentation forceps. It can sometimes require several sessions. If the stones are too large to be broken down by cystolitholapaxy, surgery is the second alternative. A suspubic incision is made with a small incision in the bladder. Any surgery carries certain risks, so cystolitholapaxy is always the first choice.

How can I prevent bladder stones?

Bladder stones are caused by a variety of medical conditions and there is no specific way to prevent them. However, when an associated condition is present, monitoring and treatment can often prevent them. In particular, a man with benign prostatic hypertrophy and borderline emptying should be monitored regularly.

Quick exams at the Marois Clinics

Cystoscopy
Ultrasound of the bladder and prostate

Treatment offered at Cliniques Marois

Cystolistholapaxis

Would you like to make an appointment, or do you have any questions? Write to us and we will get back to you as soon as possible!

Appointment for*

First name*

Last name*

E-mail*

Phone number*

Message / More information

I confirm that I have read the

Dr. Marois is a urologist who is not a member of the Régie d’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As such, the clinic can not claim the RAMQ for the payment of his services. If you consult Dr Marois, you must pay for the services rendered.

Cancellation of appointment:

To ensure the smooth running of the clinic and a minimum of courtesy towards other patients and our staff, we ask you to notify us 48 hours in advance for the cancellation of a consultation, 5 working days in advance for a surgery at the office and 21 working days in advance for a major surgery. If these deadlines are not respected, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service will be charged.

Change of appointment:

We understand that events occur, so we ask you to provide us with at least a 24-hour notice for any change in their appointment; we will be happy to accommodate you, the best we can. However, if you fail to inform us within this timeframe or do not show up, we will charge a $ 100 fee.

Thank you for your understanding.

Attach a file

Dr. Marois is a urologist who is not a member of the Régie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec (RAMQ). As such, if you require his professional services, you will have to pay directly the Cliniques Marois for the services rendered.

Cancellation Policy:

To ensure the smooth running of the clinics aa well as a minimum of courtesy towards other patients and staff members, we ask you to notify us 48 hours in advance for cancelling an appointment, 5 working days for cancelling a minor surgery in the office and 21 working days for major surgery at the CMC. If these deadlines are not respected, a cancellation fee of 50% of the service will be charged.

Change of appointment:

We understand that events occur and schedules change, so we ask patients to give us at least a 24-hour notice for any changes of appointment. We will be happy to reschedule another one for you. Failure to provide such notice within this timeframe will result in a $ 100 fee.

Thank you for your understanding.

Designed and produced by