A new application of laparoscopic instruments in percutaneous bladder stone removal

The aim of this study is to describe a new technique using laparoscopic instruments for percutaneous bladder stone management and determine the efficacy of this procedure. The technique is based on percutaneous removal of the bladder stone(s) by using laparoscopic instruments under video-cystoscopic visualization. Laparoscopic large grasper or butterfly net like sac were used to extract bladder stones in six patients who were candidates of open cystolithotomy. Satisfactory results have been obtained in patients with solitary bladder stones that have diameters up to 3 cm or multiple stones. In selected cases, operation time, urethral and mucosal damage, hospital stay, and cost can be decreased to a minimum with this simple technique. It may be an alternative method to previously reported percutaneous bladder calculi management modality, in which percutaneous nephrolithotomy devices have been utilized.