What is the best treatment for urethral stones?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on September 07, 2024
00:00
00:00

For the treatment of urethral stones, we first need to use ultrasonography or CT scans to determine the exact location and size of the stones within the urethra for treatment. If the stone is relatively small, such as about five millimeters, this condition can be treated by drinking more water and urinating frequently, relying on the flushing action of the urine to expel the stone from the body promptly. If the stone is larger, and has caused obstruction in the urethra, it is necessary to see the specific location of the stone. If it is causing obstruction in the posterior urethra, a cystoscope can be used to push the stone back into the bladder before performing lithotripsy. If the obstruction is in the anterior urethra, a small amount of liquid paraffin oil can be injected into the urethra to squeeze the stone out, or treatment can be conducted through holmium laser lithotripsy or open surgical stone removal.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Chun
Urology
1min 53sec home-news-image

How to check for urethral stones

Urethral stone examinations are primarily divided into the following areas: Firstly, the physical examination provided by the clinical doctor which checks for urethral stones can be categorized into anterior and posterior urethral stones. For anterior urethral stones, one can feel a hard nodule inside the urethra with their hand. Combined with specific symptoms, such as sudden stabbing pain during urination or a sudden inability to urinate, and if there is a history of urinary system stones, then urethral stones might be considered. As for posterior urethral stones, they cannot be felt externally; if they are lodged at the prostate, a doctor might insert a finger into the rectum to touch the area around the prostate. If a hard nodule is felt upon pressing, then a posterior urethral stone might be considered. Secondly, a more accurate clinical exam is the plain film radiography of the urinary system, commonly known as X-rays. Generally, most stones contain calcium, and in such cases, the X-ray can reveal a hard nodule in either the posterior or anterior urethra, which can be diagnosed as urethral stones. Thirdly, the urinary system's CT scans can sometimes detect radiolucent stones, such as uric acid stones. It can also identify conditions like kidney hydronephrosis in the bladder and stones in other parts of the urinary system. If all examinations, including auxiliary checks, suggest the presence of urethral stones, treatment depends on the situation. If the anterior urethral stone is not large, stone retrieval may be performed. Posterior urethral stones are generally treated like bladder stones; after pushing them into the bladder using a cystoscope, the stones are broken down either by lithotripsy or laser.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
56sec home-news-image

How should urethral stones be treated?

For the treatment of urethral stones, it is first necessary to use ultrasound, CT scans, and other examinations to specifically determine the stone's location and size within the urethra for appropriate treatment. If the stone is small, such as around 5 millimeters, this condition can be managed by increasing water intake and frequent urination, relying on the flushing action of the urine to expel the stone from the body. If the stone is large and causing obstruction in the urethra, and if it is a posterior urethral stone, it is recommended to push the stone back into the bladder under cystoscopy, followed by lithotripsy. If it is an anterior urethral stone, the condition can be treated under ureteroscopy by using holmium laser lithotripsy, after which the stone can be squeezed out of the body or by injecting paraffin oil into the urethra to lubricate and then expel the stone.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Sun Chun
Urology
59sec home-news-image

Which department should I go to for urethral stones?

For urethral stones, it is generally advisable to visit the urology department of a local hospital. It is best to undergo an abdominal plain film examination to clearly determine the location of the stone, which can also be identified through a urological examination. If it is an anterior urethral stone, which is close to the urethral opening, it can be removed through the urethra using methods such as compression. If it is a posterior urethral stone, it may not be reachable with forceps; in such cases, surgery at the hospital may be necessary. Posterior urethral stones are generally treated as bladder stones. When a cystoscope is inserted, posterior urethral stones are usually pushed into the bladder, where they can be crushed with forceps or fragmented with a laser before removal. If an examination reveals a urinary tract infection, anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment is also necessary, and a catheter may be left in place post-surgery.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
54sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
51sec home-news-image

Can urethral stones be broken up?

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.