Urethral calculus

Last revised by Harry Whitehead on 10 Apr 2022

Urethral calculi are an uncommon type of urolithiasis, accounting for ~1% of all urinary tract stones.

They almost all occur in males 2 with two peak incidences - one in childhood and the other at 40 years 3.

Most commonly acute lower urinary tract symptoms and/or urinary retention.

Urethral calculi are most commonly calcium oxalate (~85%) and can be either 1,2,5:

Most impact in the prostatic urethra although ~40% (range 30-50%) are found in the anterior urethra 2,5.

Almost all (98-100%) of urethral stones are reported to be radiopaque 3 but most are small and only faintly radiopaque and up to 60% will be missed 5.

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