Can urethral stones be broken up?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Urethral stones can be treated with lithotripsy, but it is necessary to understand the specific location and size of the stones. If the urethral stones are relatively small, there is no need for lithotripsy. By drinking more water and urinating frequently, most patients can expel the stones out of the body through the flushing action of urine. Lithotripsy is only considered when the stones are relatively large and become lodged in the urethra, causing urinary retention and other issues. The common methods used include the use of urethroscopes and cystoscopes, and the stones are crushed under a holmium laser. This procedure requires anesthesia and is considered minimally invasive surgery with relatively small trauma and quick recovery. Generally, patients can be discharged from the hospital three to five days after surgery.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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What drink is good for urethral stones?

It is generally suitable to take some stone expulsion granules.For urethral calculi, it is first necessary to determine the location of the stones, whether they are kidney stones, ureteral stones, or bladder stones, as well as the size of the stones, whether there are any obstructions and other symptoms. If the above symptoms occur, in addition to initial conservative treatment, it is also necessary to clarify these issues before proceeding with the next steps based on the results.Normally, attention should be paid to rest, avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, avoid sitting for long periods, and moderate exercise, such as going up and down stairs, can all help in the expulsion of stones, followed by regular follow-up checks.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What does it feel like when there is a stone in the lower part of the urethra?

Urethral stones are generally divided into posterior urethral stones and anterior urethral stones, whereas ureteral stones are classified into upper, middle, and lower segments. For posterior or anterior urethral stones, the main symptoms include frequent urination, urgent urination, painful urination, a feeling of obstruction during urination, and in severe cases, hematuria or even urinary retention may occur. In such cases, timely lithotripsy and stone removal treatment are required. If the stone is in the lower segment of the ureter and pauses at a certain place, the patient often does not feel discomfort or might experience mild obscure pain. If the movement of the stone stimulates the ureter, it can cause pain in the lower abdomen, often accompanied by the presence of blood in the urine. Diagnosis can be confirmed through color ultrasound or CT scan. For stones in the lower segment of the ureter, treatment depends on the specific size of the stone. If the stone is relatively small, conservative stone expulsion treatment can be done; if the stone is large, surgical intervention is recommended as soon as possible.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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How to treat urethral stones?

Urethral stones can cause symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, pain during urination, and hematuria. In severe cases, they can completely block the urethra, leading to urinary retention. If the stones are relatively small, this condition can often be resolved by drinking plenty of fluids and urinating frequently, relying on the flushing action of the urine to expel the stones from the body. However, if the stones are larger and cause urinary retention, it is necessary to promptly use a cystoscope or ureteroscope to visually crush the stones with a holmium laser and expel them from the body. After the procedure, a urinary catheter is left in place, and recovery typically takes about a week. It is important to drink plenty of water and urinate frequently to prevent the formation of stones.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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What should not be eaten with urethral stones?

After suffering from urethral stones, there are no special dietary restrictions. The occurrence of urethral stones is an emergency in urology, as it can cause the patient to experience frequent urination, urgency, and pain during urination. Severe cases may lead to hematuria and urinary retention. Emergency treatment is necessary for urethral stones. If the stone is small, it can be expelled from the body by drinking more water and urinating frequently, relying on the flushing action of the urine. If the stone is large and causes obstruction in the urethra, prompt surgical treatment is needed to crush and remove the stone from the body. Therefore, after suffering from urethral stones, there are no special dietary restrictions, and it is recommended to handle it as soon as possible to restore the smoothness of urination.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Urinary stone symptoms in men

The main symptoms of a male suffering from urethral stones are directly related to the size of the stones. If the stones are small, they often pass through urination, flushing out of the urethra without causing any discomfort. However, if the stones are large, they can get stuck in the urethra, causing a blockage during urination and significant pain. Some patients may experience hematuria due to the stones damaging the mucous membrane of the urethra. If the stones are large enough to cause impaction, especially complete obstruction of the urethra, this can lead to urinary retention and significant difficulty in urinating, necessitating prompt visit to the hospital's urology department for lithotripsy treatment.