DEAR DR. ROACH: I’m not able to get any straight answers from the doctors about a serious issue my husband is having. He was diagnosed in August 2019 with bladder cancer. In early September 2019, the tumor, part of the lining and end of the ureter were removed and tested, and we were told they got it all. They recommended BCG immunotherapy to prevent recurrence. He had two treatments one week apart beginning October 30, 2019, and immediately started having problems, passing stones then unable to urinate. They inserted a catheter and scheduled a cystoscopy, and restarted the therapy after a few weeks.

He completed the therapy (with difficulty) in January 2020 and again experienced stones, inability to urinate and again a catheter and cystoscope. We were told they cleaned out the bladder and he needs to drink more water. Within two weeks, we were in the same boat, even though he drinks about 80 ounces of water a day.

The doctor said he had an intense reaction to the immunotherapy and the effects can last a year. But my husband is experiencing the same things over and over. I can tell when it’s happening because he’s up to urinate every 20 minutes. He’s passed over 30 large stones, and more than 100 of the little ones.

Is this what’s going to happen for the rest of his life? Is there anything that can be done to help this situation, such as dietary changes or medication? I’m desperate for some answers because I’m watching my husband suffer. I need help. — C.V.

ANSWER: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, a bacterium distantly related to tuberculosis, can be instilled in the bladder and cause the body to have a strong local immune reaction. This immune reaction is effective at destroying superficial cancer, and BCG is a common and effective treatment for some cases of bladder cancer.

I have never heard of stones as a complication of BCG treatment, and two reviews on complications of BCG treatment had nothing to say about stones. Bladder stones are usually made in the kidney, then pass into the bladder. They are either passed or stay in the bladder, where they can grow, unable to pass and continuing to cause symptoms.

Infection IS a common complication of BCG treatment, and I wonder whether he might have developed an infection that predisposes toward stones. I would be surprised if his doctors hadn’t considered that, but it may still be worth another look. More importantly, an evaluation of the stone will help guide treatment for stone prevention.

All nephrologists (kidney experts) have expertise in stones, but there are a few who have special expertise in stones, and a consultation may be invaluable.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.