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 aimed to describe the percutaneous cystolithotomy technique and to present preliminary results regarding complications, length of hospital stays, and recurrence rates.

Methods:

Medical records from dogs undergoing percutaneous cystolithotomy at a single veterinary hospital (January 2010–September 2023) were reviewed, including documentation of history, clinical exams, procedural details, and immediate complications.

Collected data were divided into two subsets: 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:

A total of 103 dogs were included (65 in Group A and 38 in Group B).

There were no limitations regarding animal size or the number and size of uroliths. No conversion to standard open cystotomy was required.

The urolith persistence rate after the procedure was 1.9%. The average hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group A (37.6 hours).

The immediate postoperative complication rate for Group A was 20.6% (minor 16.2%, major 4.4%), and the short-term complication rate (<3 weeks after discharge) was 15%. The medium-term recurrence rate (3 weeks to 1 year post-discharge) was 21.8%, and the long-term recurrence rate (>1 year post-discharge) was 21.2%.

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.