What is cystolithopaxy?

Cystolithopaxy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to remove bladder stones or calculi from the urinary bladder. It is a newer technique that is replacing traditional open surgery for bladder stone removal.

During cystolithopaxy, a cystoscope, a thin flexible instrument with a camera and light source, is inserted through the urethra and into the bladder. The cystoscope allows the surgeon to visualize the bladder and the bladder stones. A laser fiber is then passed through the cystoscope to break up the bladder stones into smaller fragments. The fragments are then flushed out of the bladder through the cystoscope.

Cystolithopaxy is usually performed under local or regional anesthesia, which means that the patient is awake during the procedure but the area around the bladder is numbed. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used. The procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

Cystolithopaxy is a safe and effective procedure with a high success rate. It is associated with less pain and a shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. However, it may not be suitable for all patients, such as those with very large or complex bladder stones.

Benefits of cystolithopaxy:

- Minimally invasive

- No need for large incisions

- Less pain

- Shorter recovery time

- High success rate

Risks of cystolithopaxy:

- Infection

- Bleeding

- Damage to the urethra or bladder

- Failure to remove all of the bladder stones

- Need for additional surgery