Endoscopic Removal of Stone in Bladder Treatment in India

Sara Bhatia, a 42-year-old primary school...

Sara Bhatia, a 42-year-old primary school teacher and mother of two, had been experiencing intermittent, sharp lower abdominal pain for nearly a year, which she initially attributed to recurring UTIs or stress. The pain became more constant and was accompanied by a frequent, urgent need to urinate, often with visible blood in her urine, which finally prompted her to see her GP. A history of mild, asymptomatic kidney stones ran in her family. An ultrasound revealed a 1.8 cm stone lodged in her bladder. Her urologist, Dr. Mehta, explained that due to the stone's size and location, it was unlikely to pass naturally. He recommended a cystolitholapaxy, an endoscopic procedure to break up and remove the stone using a laser, performed under general anesthesia. Sara was terrified of surgery but relieved to have a clear solution. The procedure itself was quick, and she woke up with a catheter and some bladder discomfort. The catheter was removed the next day, and she was discharged with antibiotics and pain medication. Recovery at home involved drinking plenty of water and resting for a week. Within two weeks, her symptoms had completely resolved. Emotionally, Sara moved from a long period of anxious suffering and dismissal of her own pain to immense relief and validation. She felt like she had regained control of her body and could be fully present for her family again without constant discomfort.