Question

What is NOT true about a urinary bladder calculus?

• A. Primary stones rare in Indian children
• B. Transurethral removal is possible
• C. Most are radio opaque
• D. KUB clinches the diagnosis

Hint:

Endemic primary bladder stone disease in children is well documented in parts of India.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need the one statement about bladder stones that is false.

Step 2: Key Concept:
Bladder stones are grouped as primary (forming directly in the bladder, usually from diet related factors) or secondary (forming because of an underlying cause such as outlet obstruction, a foreign body, or infection). India, especially the northern "stone belt" regions, has long been known for a high rate of primary bladder stones in children, linked to a low protein, low phosphate diet in early childhood.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Statement (A), primary stones are rare in Indian children, is false. In fact, endemic primary vesical (bladder) calculus disease in children is a well documented problem in parts of India, historically one of the more common urological problems in young boys from certain regions.
Statement (B), transurethral removal is possible, is correct. Many bladder stones, especially smaller ones, can be fragmented and removed endoscopically through the urethra (cystolitholapaxy), avoiding open surgery.
Statement (C), most are radio opaque, is correct. The majority of bladder stones contain calcium and show up on a plain X-ray, unlike pure uric acid stones which are radiolucent.
Statement (D), KUB (kidney, ureter, bladder X-ray) clinches the diagnosis, is correct, since a plain KUB film readily shows most bladder calculi given their radio-opaque nature.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The false statement is that primary stones are rare in Indian children, since primary bladder stones are in fact a recognized, relatively common problem in Indian children in endemic regions.