Comparison of percutaneous cystolithotomy and open cystotomy for removal of urethral and bladder uroliths in dogs: Retrospective study of 81 cases (2014-2018).

Abstract

Compare percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) and open cystotomy (OC) for removal of bladder and urethral uroliths. Retrospective study. Client-owned dogs and cats that underwent PCCL (n=41) or OC (n=40) between January 1, 2014 and February 28, 2018 at a referral center. Medical records of dogs and cats that underwent a PCCL or an OC were reviewed. History, signalment, physical examination, diagnostic tests, length of the procedure and anesthesia, complications, and duration of hospitalization were recorded. A total 17 cats (PCCL=10; OC=7) and 64 dogs (PCCL=31; OC=33) were included. There was no significant difference, regardless of species, in the mean surgical time (45 min [24-160 min] and 48.5 min [15-122 min] with P=.54 in dogs, P=.65 in cats) nor mean duration of anesthesia (90 min [50-120 min] and 98 min [54-223 min] with P=.87 in dogs, P=.08 in cats) in the PCCL and OC groups respectively. Number of uroliths did not affect duration of surgery in either group. Complete urolith removal was achieved in 98% of dogs and cats in both groups. The median hospitalization time was significantly shorter in the PCCL group for dogs (11.3hours [range 4 to 51.3] in the PCCL vs 56.6hours [range 7.3 to 96] in the OC group; P < .001) but did not differ for cats (24.5hours [range 8.3 to 30] in the PCCL vs 56.6hours [range 10.1 to 193.2] in the OC group; P=.08). Bladder urolith removal by PCCL procedure is no longer than OC. Further studies are needed to compare the pain related to procedure between PCCL and OC.