Dr. Gautam Banga
MBBS, MS - General Surgery, MCh - UrologyCystolitholapaxy is an endoscopic bladder stone removal procedure in which a cystoscope is passed through the urethra into the bladder, the stone is fragmented into smaller pieces, and the fragments are removed. Depending on the stone and the patient's condition, the stone may be broken using laser energy or another suitable technique. The procedure generally does not require an external abdominal incision.
Cystolitholapaxy is commonly used to treat bladder stones that are causing symptoms, obstruction, recurrent infections, or are unlikely to pass naturally.
Before cystolitholapaxy, the urologist evaluates:
Appropriate investigations may include urine testing and imaging.
The procedure is performed under appropriate anesthesia so that the patient remains comfortable.
The type of anesthesia depends on factors such as the planned procedure, stone characteristics, and the patient's medical condition.
The urologist gently introduces a cystoscope through the urethra into the bladder.
The cystoscope contains an optical system that allows the doctor to see the inside of the bladder.
Once inside the bladder, the urologist identifies the stone and assesses its:
The bladder can also be examined for other abnormalities.
The stone is broken into smaller pieces using an appropriate technique.
Depending on the case, the urologist may use:
The technique is selected according to the individual patient's condition.
After fragmentation, the smaller stone pieces are removed through the urinary passage.
The urologist checks the bladder to ensure that the stone fragments have been adequately cleared.
After stone removal, the urinary tract is assessed before completing the procedure.
A temporary urinary catheter may be used in selected patients depending on the procedure and the patient's condition.
Usually, no. The procedure is performed through the natural urinary passage, so a standard endoscopic cystolitholapaxy does not generally require an external abdominal incision.
Yes. Laser energy can be used to fragment bladder stones into smaller pieces, which can then be removed.
The choice of laser or another fragmentation technique depends on the stone and the urologist's assessment.
The duration varies depending on:
Your urologist can provide a more specific estimate after evaluating your stone.
Not necessarily. Removing the existing stone is only one part of treatment.
If incomplete bladder emptying caused the stone, the underlying problem may also need to be addressed. Possible causes include:
Addressing the underlying cause may help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Some patients may temporarily experience:
Your urologist will provide individualized instructions regarding medications, hydration, activity, and follow-up.
At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, evaluates patients with bladder stones, urinary obstruction, enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, and recurrent urinary problems. When clinically appropriate, cystolitholapaxy can be considered as a minimally invasive approach for bladder stone removal.
