Obstructive uropathy from a giant urinary bladder stone: a rare urological emergency

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Jan 19;14(1):e234339. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-234339.

Abstract

A 53-year-old man presented with lower urinary tract symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections since last 3 years without being investigated or treated properly. Examination revealed a hard mobile lump in the pelvis, and blood investigations showed raised serum creatinine of 2.9 mg/dL. Subsequent urgent ultrasound scan showed a large urinary bladder stone with bilateral hydroureteronephrosis, and X-ray kidney, ureter and bladder demonstrated a 9 cm×6 cm elliptical radio-opaque shadow in the pelvis. He underwent emergency admission followed by open cystolithotomy on the next day. He was discharged after 48 hours with a urethral catheter. After 2 weeks, his renal function recovered completely; repeat ultrasound scan revealed complete resolution of hydronephrosis. Urethral catheter was removed following a normal cystogram. Uroflowmetry after 6 weeks revealed underlying bladder outlet obstruction, and he was started on alpha blocker which improved his urinary flow.

Keywords: catheterisation / catheter care; urinary tract infections; urological surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Hydronephrosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Hydronephrosis / etiology*
  • Hydronephrosis / surgery
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Ureteral Obstruction / diagnostic imaging
  • Ureteral Obstruction / etiology*
  • Ureteral Obstruction / surgery
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi / complications*
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi / diagnosis*
  • Urinary Bladder Calculi / surgery