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Bladder Stones Diagnosis

Bladder stones are small globs of crystallized minerals that form in the bladder when the urine becomes overly concentrated, which can occur due to multiple urinary tract infections, an enlarged prostate or nerve damage. Symptoms do not always exist, but when they do, they can include blood in the urine and abdominal pain. If present, a bladder stone diagnosis is essential, since infections or other problems can occur if a bladder stone is not treated and does not pass on its own.

  1. Physical Exam

    • The first step in a bladder stone diagnosis is a physical exam. The doctor talks about any current or ongoing urinary symptoms. He or she may also feel the lower abdominal area to check for bladder distension and possibly do a rectal exam (for males) to check for an enlarged prostate.

    Urinalysis

    • A urine sample may be taken to check for bacteria, blood and crystallized minerals. This test will also help diagnose a urinary tract infection, which is one of the possible causes of bladder stones.

    X-Ray

    • Some stones can be seen via x-ray. To determine where there are stones in the urinary system, an x-ray may be done of the bladder, kidneys and ureters.

    Ultrasound

    • Another tool used to help determine a bladder stones diagnosis is an ultrasound. An ultrasound will bounce sound waves off the bladder and kidneys to help visualize any stones.

    CT Scan

    • A CT scan, or computerized tomography scan, can aid in a bladder stones diagnosis. During a CT scan, computer technology and x-rays combine to show cross-sectional pictures of certain areas of the body. For bladder stones, a spiral CT scan may be used, as it can offer more depth and scan faster than a typical CT scan. This way, even tiny bladder stones can be detected and diagnosed. A CT scan of the abdominal and pelvic areas may be ordered.

    Cystoscopy

    • A cystoscopy, similar to an endoscopy or colonoscopy, uses a small camera placed in a tube for examination purposes. With a cycstoscopy, a doctor will check the urethra and bladder for the size, number and location of any bladder stones. The cystoscopy is done by inserting the cystoscope and filling it with water. The water then enters the bladder and stretches the wall of the bladder, permitting an inside view of the bladder for the doctor. In a colonoscopy, air is used instead of water.

    Intravenous Pyelogram

    • During an intravenous pyelogram, a contrast dye is used to help paint a picture of the urinary organs. The contrast dye is injected into the arm through an IV. This contrast material moves through the bladder, kidneys and ureters and presents an outline. During the test, x-ray pictures are taken at certain intervals.

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