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Cystolitholapaxy

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Procedure

Cystolitholapaxy

Definition

Cystolitholapaxy uses ultrasonic waves or lasers to break up bladder stones into smaller pieces and remove them. Bladder stones are minerals that have built up in the bladder.

Bladder Stone.

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Reasons for Procedure

This procedure is done to treat bladder stones.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but all procedures have some risk. The doctor will go over some problems that could happen, such as:

  • Excess bleeding
  • Problems from anesthesia, such as wheezing or sore throat
  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Bladder tear or damage
  • Damage to nearby structures

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking excess alcohol
  • Chronic diseases, such as diabetes or obesity

What to Expect

Problems to Look Out For

Call the doctor if you are not getting better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Problems passing urine
  • Leaking of urine
  • Pain in the back or belly
  • Bloody urine that lasts more than a few days
  • New or worsening symptoms

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery

Prior to Procedure

The surgical team may meet with you to talk about:

  • Anesthesia options
  • Any allergies you may have
  • Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before surgery
  • Fasting before surgery, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
  • Planning for a ride to and from surgery

Anesthesia

The doctor may give:

  • A sedative—you will feel relaxed
  • Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
  • General anesthesia—you will be asleep
  • Spinal anesthesia—you will be numb from the belly down

Description of Procedure

A scope with a camera will be placed through the urethra and into the bladder. It will be used to locate the stone. A ultrasonic probe or laser fiber will be passed through the scope and used to break up the stone. The pieces of stone will be flushed out of the bladder. The scope will be removed. A tube called a catheter may be inserted in the urethra to drain urine for the first few days. It will be removed at a follow-up appointment.

How Long Will It Take?

30 to 60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain when passing urine is common in the first few days. Medicine and home care can help.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

After the procedure, the staff may:

  • Give you pain medication
  • Give you water to drink to help flush the bladder
  • Remove the catheter

At Home

It will take about a week to heal. Some activities may be limited during recovery. You may need to delay your return to work.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Cystoscopy & ureteroscopy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diagnostic-tests/cystoscopy-ureteroscopy.
  • Cystoscopy for women. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cystoscopy-for-women.
  • Traumatic genitourinary tract injuries in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/traumatic-genitourinary-tract-injuries-in-adults.

Contributors

  • Mark S. Itzkowitz, MD, JD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.