Cystolithotripsy focuses on treating the urinary bladder stones, it is one of the vital therapeutic option indicated for all the bladder stones, large ones are always exception.

Preoperative preparation:

Blood tests, Chest X-rays and ECG

Procedure:

1. General or spinal anaesthesia is given, initially the patient is placed in the position as done in gynaecological examination.
2. The genital region is washed properly and the urethra is then lubricated.
3. A camera is inserted via urethra to localise the stones present.
4. Lithotripter is attached to the camera which is used to crush the stones into tiny pieces and these stones are then subjected to the removal.
5. At the end of the complete procedure, a catheter is placed.
6. The stay in hospital varies from 2-3 days.

Precaution:

In cases dealing with haematuria (blood in urine), there is always a need of bladder irrigation.
Catheter is removed when urine is observed clear without blood (generally takes place on the first post-operative day).

Below are the commonly used lithotripters:
a) Ballistic lithotripters
b) Electrohydraulic lithotripters
c) Various types of LASER lithotripters

Complications & Post-operative Experience:

On the first post-operative day, patient may feel burning in the urethra and may observe blood in urine in addition to bladder spasm due to catheter insertion. Stouting pain is also experienced that last for few seconds and then again occurs at regular intervals of time.