Hair as the nidus for bladder calculi formation complicating suprapubic cystostomy catheterization: a case report

Neurogenic bladder is a familiar sequel to spinal cord injury, and bladder calculi is a common complication of neurogenic bladder. We report a case of a 25-year-old man with spinal cord injury resulting in neurogenic bladder. Permanent cystostomy was performed, and, for 4 years, the patient received periodic replacement of a cystostomy catheter. Bladder calculi were found on follow-up radiography. Cystoscopic lithotripsy was done, and it was noted that a hair was the nidus of a calculus. The hair could have been introduced into the bladder accidentally during the cystostomy catheter replacement. We suggest routine pubic hair care, even shaving, for patients suffering from neurogenic bladder with cystostomy. In addition, patients and caregivers should take care not to introduce pubic hair into the bladder while changing cystostomy catheters.