Urinary bladder stones in women

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Gynecology
• Women's Health

Background:

• Bladder stones (BS) are rare in women, accounting for approximately 5% of all cases.
• Often associated with intravesical foreign bodies (e.g., surgical mesh, sutures) or urinary stasis.
• Symptoms can range from asymptomatic to hematuria, recurrent infections, and irritative voiding symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the history, epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of bladder stones (BS) specifically in the female population.
• To highlight the association between BS and pelvic floor reconstructive surgery.
• To emphasize the importance of considering BS in women with relevant symptoms.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE database from 1950 to 2011.
• Utilized search terms including "calculi," "cystolithiasis," "stones," "urinary bladder," and "women."
• Focused on studies detailing the diagnosis and treatment of BS in females.

Main Results:

• Bladder stones in women are frequently linked to foreign materials used in pelvic surgeries or urinary stasis.
• Diagnostic modalities include X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scans, often incidentally found during cystourethroscopy.
• Preferred treatment is endoscopic cystolithotripsy, with surgical intervention for complex cases or treatment failures. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is also effective.

Conclusions:

• The rising use of synthetic materials in pelvic reconstructive surgery may lead to an increased incidence of BS.
• Bladder stones should be considered in the differential diagnosis for women presenting with irritable bladder symptoms or recurrent urinary tract infections.
• Addressing the underlying cause is crucial for the definitive management of bladder stones in women.