CYSTOLITHOLPAXY

 

What is Cystolitholopaxy?

Cystolitholopaxy is an operation to remove stones that have formed in the bladder. These stones form due to crystallisation of salts in the urine.


What is the bladder?

The bladder is situated in the lower part of your abdomen and is a hollow, muscular organ. Your kidneys produce urine, which is made up of water and waste products. The urine is carried by two pipes, called ureters, to the bladder. The bladder stores the urine until it is full enough to be emptied. The urine will then pass down the urethra (waterpipe) into the toilet. In males, the urethra is quite long and passes through the prostate and down the penis. In females, the urethra is much shorter and can be found immediately in front of the vagina.


What happens during the operation?

The operation is carried out using a general anaesthetic. The operation involves passing a small telescope through the urethra and up into the bladder. The stones are then removed whole if they are small enough, r if larger will be broken up into smaller pieces and removed. The operation itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.


What happens after the operation?

You will be taken from the theatre to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored until you are awake enough to return o the ward. You will usually have a catheter (tube) inserted into the bladder to drain you urine and any blood or debris from the operation. This allows the bladder to start healing. This is usually removed after 24 hours. If you are able to pass urine freely you will be allowed home the next day.


How will I feel when I go home?

It may be uncomfortable to pass urine for two to three days after you have been discharged from hospital. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to help improve these symptoms. If your symptoms last longer than a week or you are worried about any thing else then you should seek advice from your GP. If at any time you cannot pass urine at all or start passing heavy blood clots you should call out your GP or go to your local A&E department.


Will I still see blood in my urine?

It is usual to see a little blood in your urine for a couple of weeks following the operation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to flush the bladder through in order for it to be able to heal. If the bleeding becomes heavy and there are thick blood clots that block the flow of urine, you should contact your GP.


How much shall I drink?

You should drink up to two litres per day for the first week, as this will help to wash away the blood and prevent infection. After this, you should try to drink more fluid than you usually do. You may drink alcohol when you return home (in moderation). Dehydration can be a cause of stone formation.


What if I get an infection?

Following the operation you are at risk of getting an infection. If you find that your urine becomes cloudy or smelly, and you have a burning sensation on passing urine, then you should contact your GP, as you may need a course of antibiotics.


What about follow-up by the hospital?

You will be sent an outpatient appointment to see your consultant six to eight weeks following your discharge. you will need to have an x-ray to ensure all the stone fragments have been removed.


Complications

All operations carry the risk of complications. However, general anaesthetics are very safe these days and you will have the opportunity to discuss these risks and complications with the anaesthetist prior to your operation. Any form of surgery carries the risk of you developing a chest infection, a clot in your lung or leg, bleeding during or after surgery, or developing cardiac problems. Your doctor will discuss all risks and complications with you when you attend the pre admission clinic.