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:

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

Results:

Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy identified complete urolith removal in 100% of case dogs (18/18), while postoperative imaging confirmed complete removal in 97.3% of control dogs (35/36). One control dog required revision surgery due to urethral obstruction by retained uroliths 50 days after the initial surgery. Intraoperative urethrocystoscopy was significantly faster (median, 5.5 minutes) compared to postoperative imaging (median, 25 minutes) (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. While requiring specialized equipment and training, intraoperative urethrocystoscopy may reduce anaesthesia and surgery times and avoid additional surgical procedures.