Giant urethral calculus in anterior urethral diverticulum: a case report

BACKGROUND: In this case report, giant calculus in the urethral diverticulum was found through ureteroscopy investigation, the pneumatic lithotripsy combined with ultrasound lithotripsy (PLCUL) was successfully performed to break down this rare and giant urethral calculus in the diverticulum without open surgery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 82-year-old male presented to the urology department, complaining of frequent urination and dysuria. One giant, dark brown stone (6.5 × 6 × 5.5 cm) was revealed in the diverticulum of the anterior urethra using combination of local ultrasound, pelvic Computer Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The stone was then successfully broken down via the PLCUL, and the emptied anterior urethral diverticulum was left untreated. In the 18 months’ follow-up, no new calculus was found in urethral tract, anterior diverticula became gradually smaller, eventually disappeared. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of giant calculus in the urethral diverticulum, this case report provides an effective method of lithotripsy in the clinical trials.