A 56-year-old farmer in Zhanjiang endured three years of painful urinary problems before doctors successfully removed a giant 1.3-kilogram bladder stone roughly the size of two fists.
The man, identified only by his surname Chen, reportedly suffered from frequent urination, urgent bladder pressure and difficulty urinating for years but delayed seeking medical treatment.
According to local reports, Chen initially believed his symptoms were caused by prostate problems and chose to self-medicate so he could continue working on his farm without interruption.
As his condition worsened, he became afraid to travel far from home during the daytime and was forced to wake up three to four times every night to urinate.
In the later stages, he also began experiencing blood in his urine and severe pain whenever he attempted to urinate.
After enduring years of worsening symptoms, Chen finally sought treatment at Guangdong Medical University Xuwen Hospital following repeated encouragement from family members.
Medical examinations revealed a massive bladder stone occupying almost the entire bladder space.
Doctors said the stone had already caused swelling in both kidneys and ureters, along with a serious urinary tract infection.
They warned that without immediate treatment, the condition could have progressed into kidney failure and potentially become life-threatening.
During surgery, the medical team carefully separated the giant stone from surrounding bladder tissue while avoiding damage to nearby blood vessels and nerves.
The operation was ultimately successful, with surgeons removing the 1.3kg stone and resolving the urinary problems that had tormented Chen for three years.
Lin Yuan, deputy director of the hospital’s urology department, said bladder stones in men aged over 50 are often linked to unhealthy lifestyle habits, urinary obstruction and infections.
He advised the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, blood in urine, weak urine flow, interrupted urination or recurring urinary tract infections instead of relying on self-medication.
