Uncommon presentation of urinary bladder calculus in an 18 months old child: A rare case report

Bladder stones even if applicable are seldom present in children under the age of 5, and the majority are likely to be attributable to a problem related to the child’s diet or hydration. These stones can be classified as primary which are common in children, secondary or migratory. The case is about an 18-month-old child who presented atypically as having dysuria, partial urinary retention, and effusion from the ears. Imaging showed a bladder stone and open cystolithotomy was done without any complications. In children, bladder stones usually develop due to metabolic or structural abnormalities and as such, investigations and treatment plans need to be individualized. Minimally invasive procedures such as transurethral lithotripsy and percutaneous stone removal are advancing, open surgery is however still required in circumstances where the stone is too complicated or there are few resources available. This case demonstrates the significance of multidisciplinary care, particularly in rural areas, where uncommon presentations need to be managed effectively to achieve good outcomes in pediatric cases of bladder stones. This conditions need a proper investigation to hypothesize the causes or the measures that can be employed to enhance prevention of these conditions in young children. • Bladder stones are rare in children under 5; this 18-month-old with urinary retention and ear effusion was an unusual case. • Imaging confirmed a bladder stone; open cystolithotomy was done successfully, proving importance of traditional surgery. • The case shows the need for specialized care in children, as bladder stones often stem from metabolic or anatomical issues. • Managing rural patients had challenges but also highlighted key care elements needed for successful pediatric outcomes. • New strategies for bladder stones in young children are needed to better identify causes and manage them appropriately.