Giant long-standing urethral calculus without urinary retention: A case report
Muhammad Wahyu Ali1, Yufi Aulia Azmi1, Anugrah Dianfitriani Santoso1
1Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Dr. Soetomo General-Academic Hospital, Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia.
A giant urethral stone, present for ten years, was discovered in a critically ill patient. Prompt surgical removal resolved bilateral hydronephrosis, highlighting the need for timely intervention in complex cases.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Nephrology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Giant urethral stones are rare, often presenting with significant urinary symptoms.
- This case highlights a unique presentation of a long-standing urethral stone without initial urinary retention.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old male presented with decreased consciousness and a palpable suprapubic bulge.
- Imaging revealed a 4x2 cm urethral stone, bilateral hydronephrosis, and brain hemorrhage.
- The stone had been present for ten years with spontaneous voiding prior to admission.
Findings:
- Surgical extraction of the giant urethral stone was successful.
- Post-extraction, the patient's bilateral hydronephrosis resolved.
- The patient's condition improved following urinary diversion and stone removal.
Implications:
- Giant urethral stones can exist asymptomatically for extended periods.
- Critically ill patients with non-urinary complaints may harbor significant urological pathology.
- Early diagnosis and management of urethral stones are crucial to prevent severe complications like hydronephrosis and renal damage.
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