The Management of Large Bladder Calculi by Utilizing Dual-Action Percutaneous Lithotripsy via Suprapubic Tube Sheath:...

Bladder calculi commonly develop in patients with poor bladder emptying or those with retained foreign bodies within the bladder, leading to irritative voiding symptoms, hematuria, and an increased likelihood of refractory urinary tract infections. While many techniques exist for the treatment of bladder calculi, including endoscopic and open-surgical approaches, our novel technique may help manage exceptionally large or difficult-to-treat bladder calculi effectively. We present three patients with symptomatic bladder calculi ranging from 1.3 cm to 6.8 cm in size who were successfully treated by using our novel technique. Percutaneous access to the bladder was obtained by using a suprapubic catheter trocar and sheath to enable the utilization of a dual-action lithotriptor. Sheath insertion and lithotripsy were performed under direct visualization with a rigid cystoscope via the native urethra. This technique is easily learned and can be safely employed in patients in whom other methods may pose risks of higher morbidity.