Bladder stones

Alternative names:

stones - bladder; urinary tract stones

Definition:

A condition in which stones are present in the urinary bladder.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Bladder stones are usually the result of another urologic problem such as urinary tract infection (see UTI, chronic or recurrent), bladder diverticulum, neurogenic bladder, or an enlarged prostate. 95% of all bladder stones occur in men. Stones that originate in the bladder are much less common than kidney stones.

Bladder stones may occur when urine in the bladder is concentrated and materials crystallize and precipitate. Symptoms occur when the lining of the bladder is irritated by the presence of the stone or when the stone obstructs the flow of urine out of the bladder.