Urinary health issues can cause significant discomfort and complications if not treated on time. One such condition is bladder stones, which are hard masses of minerals that form in the bladder when it doesn’t empty completely. A common and effective treatment for this condition is cystolitholapaxy—a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to break and remove bladder stones.
Apex Hospital – home to leading urologists of India – decided to write an extensive guide covering everything about cystolitholapaxy surgery including its meaning, why it’s needed, how it’s performed, its risks, recovery tips, and more.
What is Cystolitholapaxy?
Cystolitholapaxy is a procedure where bladder stones are broken up and removed using a cystoscope—a thin tube with a camera and surgical tools attached. The procedure is usually done under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the patient’s health condition and the size of the stones.
This procedure is often preferred when the bladder stones are too large to pass naturally or are causing complications such as bleeding, urinary tract infections, or blockages.
Why is Cystolitholapaxy Recommended?
Bladder stones can develop for several reasons, such as:
Incomplete bladder emptying
Enlarged prostate
Bladder diverticula (pouches that form in the bladder wall)
Neurogenic bladder (nerve-related bladder dysfunction)
Long-term use of urinary catheters
Foreign objects or infections in the bladder
When these stones begin causing pain, frequent urination, blood in urine, or recurrent infections, cystolitholapaxy becomes necessary to relieve symptoms and prevent further damage.
What are the Types of Cystolitholapaxy?
There are two main approaches for performing cystolitholapaxy:
Transurethral Cystolitholapaxy: This is the most common technique. The surgeon inserts the cystoscope through the urethra and uses laser or ultrasonic energy to break the stone into smaller fragments. These fragments are then flushed out or manually removed.
Percutaneous Suprapubic Cystolitholapaxy: This technique is used when transurethral access is not possible or suitable (e.g., in children or patients with urethral strictures). Here, a small incision is made above the pubic bone, and the cystoscope is inserted directly into the bladder.
How is Cystolitholapaxy Performed Usually?
The patient is positioned on the operating table and anesthesia is administered.
A lubricated cystoscope is gently inserted into the urethra and guided into the bladder.
Once the bladder stone is located, it is fragmented using laser energy, ultrasonic probes, or mechanical tools.
The stone pieces are removed using a suction device or grasper.
The area is flushed with sterile solution to ensure no fragments remain.
In some cases, a temporary catheter may be inserted to help drain urine post-surgery.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on the number and size of stones.
What’s the Recovery time for Cystolitholapaxy?
After the surgery, patients are usually monitored for a few hours. Most people go home the same day unless there are complications or other medical issues.
Common recovery tips include:
Stay hydrated to help flush the bladder
Avoid strenuous activity for a few days
Take prescribed antibiotics or painkillers as directed
Monitor for signs of infection like fever, cloudy urine, and increased pain
Report any difficulty urinating or blood in urine to your doctor
Most patients recover fully within a week, though mild burning during urination may persist for a couple of days.
What are Risks and Complications Associated with Cystolitholapaxy?
While cystolitholapaxy is generally safe, like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks:
Infection of the bladder or urinary tract
Bleeding or discomfort during urination
Urinary retention
Urethral injury or stricture
Recurrence of bladder stones
Discuss these potential risks with your surgeon and follow post-operative care instructions to minimize complications.
How to Prevent Bladder Stones?
Yes. Preventing bladder stones largely depends on managing the underlying causes. Here are a few tips:
Drink plenty of fluids daily (2–3 liters)
Treat prostate enlargement or bladder infections early
Avoid long-term catheter use unless absolutely necessary
Follow dietary advice if you’re prone to stone formation
Regular follow-ups with a urologist can help detect early signs and prevent recurrence.
Get Cystolitholapaxy Support from Apex Doctors
Cystolitholapaxy is a highly effective procedure for removing troublesome bladder stones and preventing further urinary complications. With minimal invasion, quick recovery, and high success rates, it remains the go-to treatment for patients suffering from moderate to large bladder stones.
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent urinary discomfort or suspect bladder stones, consult a urologist at the earliest— contact us today through WhatsApp or call us at 91680 3900 to discuss your issues with our experts.
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