Vesical stones in females: An underestimated problem in Mosul Province

Abstract

Objective: Vesical stones may be associated with significant urological symptoms and may reflect more serious underlying urological or systemic problems. The aim of this study is to discuss the trends of vesical stones in women, diagnostic tools, and their management patterns. Patients & methods: A cross-spective study of 25 female patients, presented with vesical stones, from the urology department at Al-Jumhoori teaching hospital in Mosul. History, physical examination, laboratory & radiological investigations were performed trying to confirm the diagnosis & look for any possible underlying etiology. Then the treatment modality( open surgery versus endoscopic intervention ) was decided with regard to stone(s) size, number, the patients age & facilities available in the center. The results were analyzed accordingly. Results: The mean patients age is 31.2 years. They presented with a mix of symptoms that mainly included irritative voiding symptoms, suprapubic pain, & hematuria. Ultrasound was the most sensitive imaging modality used. Primary vesical stone was found in 64% of cases, & secondary stone in 36%. Cystolitholapaxy was the treatment of choice in 64% of patients & cystolithotomy in 36%. Conclusion: Female vesical calculi have their on trend of behavior that do differ from what is being found in male patients. They present earlier in life (almost 2/3 before 40years of age), commonly are idiopathic in origin, usually have less acute pattern of presentation as compared to male patients. They can be safely & precisely diagnosed using ultrasound & successfully treated by cystolitholapaxy, although cystolithotomy still have its own indications.