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Bladder Stones in Pediatric Patients with Bladder Dysfunction: a Review of Pathophysiology and Management

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Bladder stones are a prevalent problem in children with neurogenic bladder that impact quality of life and subject patients to multiple procedures. The physiology of bladder dysfunction as well as medical interventions employed to efficiently empty the bladder and lower bladder pressures contribute to the formation of stones. In this paper, we aim to review the literature concerning bladder stone pathophysiology, prevention, surveillance, and surgical management for pediatric patients suffering from neurogenic bladder.

Recent Findings

Historical data has provided the basis of our understanding of pathophysiology and formation of bladder stones in this population. Various prevention strategies seek to counteract the limitations of catheterization and augmentation to limit the likelihood of stone formation. More recent literature has evaluated strategies to limit the morbidity of recurrent stone procedures with minimally invasive techniques.

Summary

Bladder calculi are a common problem in the pediatric neurogenic population due to alterations in physiology and interventions. Current work in prevention and minimally invasive stone removal techniques will inform our practice for these patients going forward.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, 4401 Penn Ave, 4th Floor Faculty Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, 15224, USA

    Christopher J. Staniorski, Esther K. Liu & Rajeev Chaudhry

Authors
  1. Christopher J. Staniorski
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  2. Esther K. Liu
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  3. Rajeev Chaudhry
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Contributions

C.S., E.L. and R.C. contributed equally in the writing of this manuscript.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Rajeev Chaudhry.

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The authors declare no competing interests.

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All authors report no conflicts of interest.

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Staniorski, C.J., Liu, E.K. & Chaudhry, R. Bladder Stones in Pediatric Patients with Bladder Dysfunction: a Review of Pathophysiology and Management. Curr Bladder Dysfunct Rep 18, 346–351 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-023-00714-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11884-023-00714-6

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