PURPOSE: To present our initial experience with "mini" percutaneous cystolithotomy performed as an outpatient procedure in patients with neurogenic bladders. MATERIALS & METHODS: Over the last 6 years, patients with neurogenic bladders and bladder calculi were managed with outpatient percutaneous cystolithotomy. All but 1 had previously undergone appendicovesicostomy (APV) creation. The procedure was performed by first passing a pediatric cystoscope per APV. Once the calculi were visualized, and following bladder distention, additional bladder access was obtained by passage of either a 16F Peel-Away introducer using the Seldinger technique or a 5 mm laparoscopic trocar under direct vision. An ultrasonic lithotripter was then advanced through the percutaneous access site and stone fragmentation completed. Following procedure completion, a catheter was placed for 24 h for bladder decompression. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. RESULTS: 12 patients underwent 18 successful operations. In 1 patient, percutaneous access was unsuccessful. Mean age at surgery was 12.3 years. Mean operative time was 72 min 8 patients had undergone previous ileocystoplasty. The remainder was rendered stone free at the completion of surgery. One patient had persistent bleeding from the intravesical trocar site necessitating fulguration and an overnight stay for observation. The remainder were sent home the same day. There were no cases of urine extravasation. CONCLUSIONS: "Mini" percutaneous cystolithotomy is a safe, effective technique for the outpatient management of bladder calculi.
PURPOSE: To present our initial experience with "mini" percutaneous cystolithotomy performed as an outpatient procedure in patients with neurogenic bladders. MATERIALS & METHODS: Over the last 6 years, patients with neurogenic bladders and bladder calculi were managed with outpatient percutaneous cystolithotomy. All but 1 had previously undergone appendicovesicostomy (APV) creation. The procedure was performed by first passing a pediatric cystoscope per APV. Once the calculi were visualized, and following bladder distention, additional bladder access was obtained by passage of either a 16F Peel-Away introducer using the Seldinger technique or a 5 mm laparoscopic trocar under direct vision. An ultrasonic lithotripter was then advanced through the percutaneous access site and stone fragmentation completed. Following procedure completion, a catheter was placed for 24 h for bladder decompression. All procedures were performed on an outpatient basis. RESULTS: 12 patients underwent 18 successful operations. In 1 patient, percutaneous access was unsuccessful. Mean age at surgery was 12.3 years. Mean operative time was 72 min 8 patients had undergone previous ileocystoplasty. The remainder was rendered stone free at the completion of surgery. One patient had persistent bleeding from the intravesical trocar site necessitating fulguration and an overnight stay for observation. The remainder were sent home the same day. There were no cases of urine extravasation. CONCLUSIONS: "Mini" percutaneous cystolithotomy is a safe, effective technique for the outpatient management of bladder calculi.