34th Annual Scientific Meeting proceedings

Objectives:

To compare the use of intraoperative urethrocystoscopy with postoperative retrograde positive-contrast urethrocystography in male dogs undergoing open cystotomy for urolithiasis and to evaluate the efficacy of urethrocystoscopy as an alternative to traditional imaging for assessing complete urolith removal.

Methods:

Fifty-four male dogs undergoing open cystotomy for urolithiasis were included in this retrospective case-control study. Medical records for the period between January 2018 and July 2024 were reviewed retrospectively. The completeness of urolith removal was evaluated intraoperatively using urethrocystoscopy in the case group (18 dogs) and by postoperative contrast urethrocystography in the control group (36 dogs). The time required for intraoperative urethrocystoscopy and postoperative diagnostic imaging was compared.

Results:

Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy identified complete urolith removal in 100% of the dogs in the case group (18/18), while postoperative imaging confirmed complete removal in 97.3% of the dogs in the control group (35/36). One dog in the control group required revision surgery 50 days after the initial surgery due to urethral obstruction caused by retained uroliths. Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy was significantly faster (median, 5.5 min) than postoperative imaging (median, 25 min) (P < 0.001). Urethrocystoscopy detected residual uroliths missed by traditional methods in one dog, avoiding the need for urethrotomy. No further postoperative urethral obstructions were reported in either group during the follow-up period (median, 374 days).

Conclusions:

Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy is a safe, fast, and effective technique for confirming complete urolith removal during open cystotomy, offering a reliable alternative to postoperative contrast imaging. Although it requires specialised equipment and training, intraoperative urethrocystoscopy may reduce anaesthesia and surgery times and avoid additional surgical procedures.