What is a transurethral cystolitholapaxy?
A transurethral cystolitholapaxy is a surgical procedure for eliminating bladder stones. It requires a urologist to pass a cystoscope through the urethra and break up bladder stones that are too large to be expelled spontaneously. Several sessions are sometimes required to avoid having to resort to an open surgery. This minor surgery is usually not painful and is now performed in the confort of our South Shore clinic. Patients leave the same day and benefit from a nursing service.
What to do or not to do after cystolitholapaxy?
- The first day, stay at complete rest.
- The day after surgery and for the first week, you can walk, but take it gradually, alternating 15-30 minute periods of activity with periods of rest.
- Avoid lifting heavy objects (over 10kg) for 6 weeks.
- Avoid strenuous exercise or physical activity for 6 weeks.
- Avoid having sex for 4-6 weeks.
- Avoid being constipated (you will have medication, if necessary).
- Drink plenty of water to allow small clots to pass well from the bladder and to make urine clear; about 8 ounces every 2 hours during the day and stop 2-3 hours before bedtime.
What to expect hours after your procedure?
What’s does a cystolitholapaxy consist of?
Using a high-resolution camera, a cystoscope is inserted into the bladder through the urethra. Next, a fibre laser is inserted. This is the most precise and effective technology for breaking up bladder stones. The fibre laser delivers pulses of energy that gradually fragment the stone into small particles. The particles are removed via the cystoscope. Larger fragments are crushed with specialized forceps.
In some cases, several rounds of this treatment for bladder stones are required. In particular, it may be essential if visibility issues are present. Additionally, if the urine becomes excessively cloudy or reddish, the procedure is stopped and resumed on another date.
The duration of the surgery depends primarily on the number of bladder stones and their size.
In some cases, a urinary catheter may be left in place for 24 to 48 hours.
In some cases, several rounds of this treatment for bladder stones are required. In particular, it may be essential if visibility issues are present. Additionally, if the urine becomes excessively cloudy or reddish, the procedure is stopped and resumed on another date.
The duration of the surgery depends primarily on the number of bladder stones and their size.
In some cases, a urinary catheter may be left in place for 24 to 48 hours.