What happens before bladder stone surgery?

Before bladder stone surgery, your urologist evaluates the stone, urinary symptoms, bladder emptying, and possible underlying cause. You may undergo urine and blood tests, imaging such as ultrasound or CT when appropriate, and assessment of urinary flow or residual urine. Your doctor will then discuss the recommended procedure, anesthesia, preparation, and recovery instructions.

Preparation before bladder stone surgery is important because treatment should address not only the existing stone but also any condition that may have contributed to its formation.

1. Medical Consultation

Your urologist will review:

• Your urinary symptoms.
• Previous history of bladder stones.
• Previous urinary procedures.
• Recurrent urinary infections.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Catheter use.
• Other medical conditions.
• Current medications.

This information helps determine the most appropriate treatment approach.

2. Imaging of the Bladder Stone

Your doctor may review existing imaging or recommend an investigation such as:

• Ultrasound
• CT scan, when appropriate
• Other imaging based on your symptoms

Imaging can help determine the stone's size, number, and location.

3. Urine Testing

A urine test may be performed before treatment to look for:

• Blood.
• Signs of urinary infection.
• Other abnormalities.

If an infection is suspected, your doctor may recommend a urine culture.

4. Blood Tests

Depending on your age, medical history, and planned procedure, blood tests may be recommended before surgery.

These can help assess your general health and identify conditions that may need attention before anesthesia or surgery.

5. Evaluation of Bladder Emptying

Your urologist may check whether you are emptying your bladder properly.

This can include:

• Post-void residual urine measurement
• Uroflowmetry

This evaluation is particularly important because incomplete bladder emptying can contribute to bladder stone formation.

6. Evaluation for the Underlying Cause

Your doctor may investigate whether the stone developed because of:

• Enlarged prostate.
• Urethral stricture.
• Bladder dysfunction.
• Recurrent urinary infections.
• Long-term catheter use.
• Other urinary obstruction.

Treating the underlying cause can be important for reducing the risk of another stone.

7. Discussion of the Treatment Procedure

Your urologist will explain the recommended approach based on:

• Stone size.
• Number of stones.
• Stone location.
• Urinary obstruction.
• Bladder condition.
• Overall health.

For suitable patients, cystolitholapaxy may be considered to fragment and remove the stone through the urinary passage.

8. Anesthesia Assessment

Before the procedure, the anesthesia team may review:

• Medical history.
• Current medications.
• Allergies.
• Previous anesthesia experiences.
• Relevant test results.

The type of anesthesia depends on the procedure and the patient's individual condition.

9. Medication Instructions

Your medical team may provide instructions regarding medications before surgery.

This is particularly important if you take medicines that affect blood clotting or other medications that may need adjustment.

Do not stop or change prescribed medication unless your doctor tells you to do so.

10. Fasting and Procedure-Day Instructions

If anesthesia or sedation is planned, you may receive instructions about:

• When to stop eating.
• When to stop drinking.
• Which medications can be taken on the day of surgery.
• When to arrive at the hospital.

Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical and anesthesia team.

Do I Need to Be Admitted Before Bladder Stone Surgery?

It depends on the procedure and your individual circumstances.

Some minimally invasive bladder stone procedures may be managed with a relatively short hospital stay, while other patients may require longer observation.

Your urologist will explain the expected admission and discharge plan.

Can Bladder Stone Surgery Be Delayed If I Have a UTI?

If an active urinary infection is present, your medical team may need to evaluate and treat the infection before proceeding, depending on the clinical situation.

This decision should be made by your treating urologist.

Should I Stop Drinking Water Before Surgery?

Do not make your own fasting or fluid restrictions.

If anesthesia is planned, the hospital will provide specific instructions about when you should stop eating and drinking.

What Should I Bring on the Day of Surgery?

Follow your hospital's instructions. You may need to bring:

• Previous medical reports.
• Imaging reports or scans.
• Current medication information.
• Identification and admission documents.
• Any other documents requested by the hospital.

When Should I Inform My Doctor Before Surgery?

Tell your medical team about:

• Current medications.
• Drug allergies.
• Previous surgeries.
• Previous anesthesia problems.
• Blood-thinning medication.
• Current fever or urinary infection symptoms.
• Any significant medical conditions.

This information helps your team plan treatment safely.

When Should I See a Urologist?

A urological evaluation is appropriate if you have:

• A known bladder stone.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow.
• Blood in the urine.
• Painful urination.
• Recurrent urinary infections.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.
• Recurrent bladder stones.

Sudden inability to pass urine requires prompt medical attention.

SCI International Hospital

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. Before recommending treatment, the patient's stone characteristics, urinary function, overall health, and possible underlying cause can be evaluated to develop an appropriate treatment plan.