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An unusual vesical calculus
1Department of Radiology and Imaging, Combined Military Hospital, Attock, Pakistan.
A 52-year-old woman developed a bladder stone around a migrated intrauterine contraceptive device (Copper-T). This rare case highlights bladder stone formation in an older female due to a retained intrauterine device.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Gynecology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs), such as the Copper-T, are widely used for birth control.
- Migration of IUCDs into the urinary bladder is a rare but recognized complication.
- Vesical calculus formation over a migrated IUCD is an uncommon sequela.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a unique case of bladder stone formation over a migrated Copper-T IUCD in an elderly female.
- To highlight the clinical presentation and management of this rare urological complication.
- To emphasize the importance of considering IUCD migration in patients with unexplained bladder stones.
Main Methods:
- A 52-year-old female patient presented with symptoms suggestive of a bladder stone.
- Investigations included abdominal ultrasound and X-ray of the pelvis to confirm the presence and location of the calculus and IUCD.
- Surgical removal of the bladder stone and the migrated IUCD via suprapubic cystolithotomy was performed.
Main Results:
- Imaging confirmed a bladder stone encrusting a migrated Copper-T intrauterine device.
- The patient underwent successful suprapubic cystolithotomy for removal of the stone and device.
- This case is notable for the patient's advanced age (52 years) compared to previously reported cases.
Conclusions:
- Bladder stone formation over a migrated IUCD can occur even in elderly women.
- Suprapubic cystolithotomy is an effective surgical approach for managing such cases.
- Vigilance for IUCD migration is crucial, irrespective of patient age, in cases of vesical calculus.
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Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction
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Urinary Tract Calculi VI: Surgical Management
Urinary Tract Calculi II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
Urinary Tract Calculi V: Nursing Management
Imaging Studies VI: Voiding Cystourethrography and Cystography
