Intraoperative needlescopy facilitates complete urolith removal during open cystotomy in dogs and cats: 19 cases

To describe the feasibility of intraoperative needlescopy during open cystotomy for retrieval of bladder and urethral uroliths in dogs and cats.

Observational retrospective study.

Dogs and cats undergoing open cystotomy for retrieval of uroliths followed by needlescopy between November 2023 and September 2025. Clinical data including signalment, preoperative imaging, urolith analysis, estimated urethral length, complications, and outcomes were recorded.

A total of 17 dogs and two cats met the inclusion criteria (age 1 to 11 years, weight 2.5 to 54.5 kg). Sixteen dogs and one cat were male, and French bulldogs (5/12) were overrepresented. All cases had open cystotomy followed by intraoperative needlescopy using a 125 x 1.9 mm needle scope. Estimated urethral length on preoperative radiographic imaging ranged from 90 to 470 mm (median 240 mm).The needle scope allowed complete (100%) visualisation of the urethra in three animals (the female dog, female cat and male cat). The estimated percentage of urethra visualised by the needle scope in male dogs was 65 to 85%. No intraoperative complications were reported. Postoperative radiographs were performed in 11 cases, with no residual uroliths identified. Soft tissue lesions (urethral stricture) were observed in two cases. Postoperative haematuria and pollakiuria were noted in four cases and were all self-limiting. One dog re-obstructed 18 days postoperatively and required revision surgery.

Intraoperative needlescopy during open cystotomy is feasible and improves the visualisation of uroliths and urethral soft tissue injuries in dogs and cats. Needle scopes may be particularly advantageous in environments where other minimally invasive specialised equipment is unavailable or where personnel lack training in advanced endoscopic techniques, as it can enhance the surgeon's confidence in confirming the absence of residual stones within the urinary tract.