What is Cysolitholpaxy?
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 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.
During the Operation: What to Expect
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, or if larger will be broken up into smaller pieces and removed. The operation itself usually takes 20 to 30 minutes.
After the Operation: What to Expect
You will be taken from the theatre to the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored until you are awake enough to return to the ward. You will usually have a catheter (tube) inserted into the bladder to drain your 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.
Recovering at Home: What to Expect
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 anything 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 some blood in your urine for a couple of weeks following the operation. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to flush the kidneys in order for them 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.
Recommended Fluid Intake
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 would usually do. You may drink alcohol when you return home (in moderation). Dehydration can be a cause of stone formation.
What to Do if You 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.
Hospital Follow-Up Care
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.
Possible 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.
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