Urethral Calculus as an Uncommon Cause of Acute Urinary Retention in Women Diagnosis and Management: A Case Report

Clin Med Insights Case Rep. 2024 Aug 20:17:11795476241274690. doi: 10.1177/11795476241274690. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Background: Urethral calculi causing acute urinary retention is a highly uncommon condition in women, which poses distinctive difficulties in diagnosis and treatment. This report presents the case of a 52-year-old woman who experienced acute urinary retention caused by a urethral stone. It emphasizes the effective use of minimally invasive methods and underscores the importance of comprehensive multidisciplinary treatment.

Case presentation: A 52-year-old woman patient arrived with acute urinary retention symptoms that lasted 6 hours. She complained of pain in the perineal and periurethral regions. She struggled with poorly managed type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and frequent cystitis. The examination showed the presence of a 2-cm stone in the urethra. The treatment utilised retrograde propulsion and laser fragmentation. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging results were normal, and follow-up care involved managing diabetes and adopting lifestyle changes to prevent the recurrence of cystitis and stones for 6 months.

Conclusion: Urethral calculi exceptionally cause acute urinary retention in women. To achieve successful outcomes and prevent recurrence, it is crucial to prioritize prompt, minimally invasive treatment, and comprehensive management.

Keywords: Acute urinary retention; emergency urology; laser lithotripsy; minimally invasive treatment; urethral calculi; women urethra.

Publication types

  • Case Reports