Doctors at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), Visakhapatnam, successfully performed a complex surgery to remove nearly 600 grams of stones from the urinary bladder of a 42-year-old man. The team extracted one giant stone—almost the size of a tennis ball—along with several smaller stones, finally relieving the patient, Mr. G. Raju, of months of severe pain and discomfort.
Symptoms Progress from Mild to Debilitating
Initially, Mr. Raju experienced only mild burning during urination. However, his condition gradually worsened over the months. He began to suffer from sharp pain in the lower abdomen and sides, frequent urges to urinate with minimal relief, difficulty passing urine, and disturbed sleep due to constant discomfort.
As the symptoms intensified, they not only affected him physically but also took a significant mental toll, disrupting his daily life.
Previous History and Delayed Intervention
Notably, Mr. Raju had undergone major treatment for kidney stones in 2019. Therefore, he did not expect a recurrence, especially in such a severe form.
However, when the pain became unbearable, he sought medical help at AINU Visakhapatnam. Doctors conducted a detailed evaluation, including a CT scan, which revealed multiple large bladder stones. One of these stones was exceptionally large—nearly the size of a snooker ball.
Experts explained that such stones typically develop gradually when early warning signs are ignored, eventually leading to serious complications.
Open Surgery Chosen for Safe Removal
Given the size and number of stones, the medical team ruled out minimally invasive options. Instead, they opted for open surgery to ensure complete removal.
Dr. G. Ravindra Varma, Managing Director and Senior Consultant Urologist, led the surgical team. The doctors carefully opened the bladder, removed all five stones—including the giant one—and then sutured the bladder with precision.
As per the press release, the team closely monitored the patient after surgery to ensure smooth recovery. Importantly, the procedure was completed without complications.
Rapid Recovery and Symptom Relief
Immediately after surgery, Mr. Raju experienced significant relief. The persistent symptoms that had troubled him for months subsided.
His recovery is progressing well, and he is steadily regaining his normal routine and quality of life.
Doctors Urge Early Medical Attention
Following the case, Dr. Ravindra Varma emphasised the importance of early diagnosis. He pointed out that many individuals tend to ignore initial urinary symptoms such as burning sensation or mild pain.
However, delaying medical consultation often allows the condition to worsen. He advised people to seek timely medical attention if they experience pain during urination, lower abdominal discomfort, difficulty passing urine, or recurrent urinary infections. Early intervention can prevent complications and reduce the need for major surgery.
Collaborative Surgical Effort
In addition, Dr. Amit Saple, Executive Director and Senior Consultant Urologist, and Dr. P. Sridhar, Consultant Urologist, actively participated in the procedure, contributing to its success.
A Strong Message for Patients
Overall, this case highlights the expertise of the AINU Visakhapatnam team in handling complex urological conditions. At the same time, it delivers a clear message—patients should not ignore early symptoms or delay treatment.
With timely intervention and expert care, even severe and painful conditions can be effectively treated.