Bladder stones--small crystals in the bladder--develop as a reaction to minerals in stagnant urine that is too concentrated or is too acidic or too alkaline. Urologic problems, such as prostate gland disorders, nerve damage and recurrent infection of the lower urinary tract, account for many bladder stone problems in men. The occurrence of mineral masses in the bladder is very low in women. Approximately 95 percent of all bladder stones occur in men, notes MedlinePlus.
Cystolitholapaxy
Tiny bladder stone fragments may pass spontaneously, but bladder stones more than four millimeters in size need to be eliminated so they do not cause obstruction of the flow of urine or chronic irritation of the bladder. One commonly used treatment is a procedure called cystolitholapaxy. A tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the bladder via the urethra. When the stone is located it is broken apart into fragments that are small enough for the body to flush out, using ultrasound, a laser or a mechanical device.
Open Surgery
Sometimes, the bladder stones are too large and hard to be pulverized by less invasive cystolitholapaxy. In that case a surgeon may need to employ an open surgery approach, in which an incision is made directly into the bladder and the stones are physically removed. Other most frequent causes for the conversion to an open surgery include obesity, a history of prior abdominal surgery causing dense pericystic adhesions and inability of the surgeons to visualize or handle the organs effectively.
Alternative Medicine
Herbs have been used for centuries in Asia for treating bladder stones and preventing their reoccurrence. Key diuretic or aquaretic herbs for bladder stones include gravel root, stone root and hydrangea. They are most often used as a tincture but also can be taken as capsule or tea form. However, no studies have reported that herbs assist the body in removing stones and gravels from the bladder, notes Mayo Clinic.
