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Doctors in Lebanon have reported a unique occurrence where they removed a vagina stone the size of an orange from a woman’s pelvic area.
According to a recent study, a 27-year-old woman with cerebral palsy and a past inability to control urination was brought to the hospital’s emergency department while bedridden.
According to researchers in Beirut, the woman had been experiencing a fever and chills for three days. She also had reduced oral intake, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
Following a medical assessment, physicians discovered that the individual appeared pale and lacking in energy, and her stomach was swollen and tender.
A radiograph revealed a sizable stone in her pelvic area, approximately the size of an orange. This was subsequently verified by a CT scan.
The study reported that a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a large, calcified round object in the pelvis area that was situated between the urinary bladder and rectum. This object was likely causing the uterus to move upwards and take up space in the vaginal area.
The doctors stated that a gynecological exam verified the existence of the stone without any other irregularities.
According to the research, the stone had a measurement of 9 x 10cm.
Instances of vaginal stones are infrequently observed and frequently misidentified as bladder stones.
Patients may exhibit “non-specific” symptoms, varying from having no symptoms at all to experiencing sudden fever or abdominal pain, which can make diagnosis difficult.
Earlier research has shown that individuals with cerebral palsy may suffer from urinary incontinence, which is when they are unable to control their urination and may result in urine leaking into the vagina.
According to scientists, extended periods of bed rest in patients can result in the accumulation and hardening of urine in the vaginal area, which can increase the risk of developing stones.
For the 27-year-old individual, the presence of a large stone pressing on the bladder resulted in increased urine leakage.
Sometimes, bacteria can also be linked to the creation of stones.
After the doctors confirmed the existence of the stone, they initiated the woman’s treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
After six weeks, the woman underwent general anesthesia and the stone was extracted using endoscopy through the vagina.
The initial method employed by doctors involved directing ultrasonic shockwaves at the woman’s abdomen to disrupt the formation. This was followed by the utilization of forceps to extract the fragments during a three-hour procedure.
The study, which was published in the journal Urology Case Reports, mentioned that the patient was released with a prescription for antibiotics and the caregivers were instructed to keep a scheduled follow-up.
According to researchers, individuals with cerebral palsy who are confined to bed are at a higher risk of developing vaginal stones. They suggest regular gynecological examinations for these patients, with X-rays being conducted if there is suspicion of stones.
Source: independent.co.uk
