A comparative study of retrieval of cystic calculi through laparoscopic assisted cystotomy and conventional cystotomy in dogs

Sixteen male dogs of different age, body weight and breed, having urinary calculi, presented with clinical signs of anorexia, haematuria, dribbling of urine and dehydration were included in the study. Clinical, radiographic and ultrasonographic examination revealed distended urinary bladder having dispersed calculi and sludge confirming the diagnosis of obstructive urolithiasis. The animals were randomly divided into two groups of 8 animals each. Group I animals were subjected to laparoscopic assisted cystotomy; with camera port insertion near umbilicus, and secondary port insertion paramedian to prepuce to exteriorize the bladder. Stone basket and suction were used to retrieve the calculi. Group II animals were subjected to conventional cystotomy as per standard procedure. Surgical, physiological and haematological parameters were evaluated in both groups. Total surgical duration in group I was significantly longer (114.12±3.49 min) than in group II (75.12±2.35 min). Postoperatively pain in animals of group II was significantly higher than in group I. Animals of group I had haematuria (n=2) and seroma formation (n=1), and animals of group II had urinary incontinence (n=1), seroma formation (n=2) and haematuria (n=4) as postoperative complications. Results suggested that laparoscopic assisted cystotomy was more time consuming; however, it provided better visualization, lesser postoperative complications and faster wound healing as compared to the conventional cystotomy.