34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

Conventional cystotomy is associated with a significant complication rate, prolonged hospital stays, and high rates of stone persistence and recurrence. This study describes a percutaneous cystolithotomy technique and presents preliminary results about complications, length of hospital stays, and recurrence rates.

Methods:

The medical records of dogs who underwent percutaneous cystolithotomy at a single veterinary hospital (January 2010 to September 2023) were reviewed, documenting their history, clinical examinations, procedural details, and immediate complications. The collected data were divided into Group A (cystolithotomy only) and Group B (cystolithotomy with additional procedures). Mid- and long-term follow-up data, including complications and recurrence rates, were also collected.

Results:

The study included 103 dogs, 65 in Group A and 38 in Group B, with no limitations regarding animal size or the number and sizes of the uroliths. No conversion to standard open cystotomy was required. The postsurgical urolith persistence rate was 1.9%. The average hospital stay in Group A (37.6 hours) was significantly shorter than in Group B. The immediate postoperative and short-term (<3 weeks from discharge) complication rates for Group A were 20.6% (16.2% minor, 4.4% major) and 15%, respectively. The medium- (3 weeks to one year post-discharge) and long-term (>1 year post-discharge) recurrence rates were 21.8% and 21.2%, respectively.

Conclusions:

Percutaneous cystolithotomy appears to be a safe and effective alternative to conventional cystotomy, potentially reducing postoperative complications, hospital stay duration, and the risk of stone persistence and recurrence.