Comparison of three different modalities for the treatment of bladder calculi by size

Abstract

Purpose: Treatment recommendations for kidney or ureteral stones are based on stone size; however, this is uncertain for bladder stones. This study aims to determine the best approach to bladder stones based on their size. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 401 patients with bladder stones. Patients were divided into three different groups according to stone size (11–20 mm, 21–30 mm, 31–40 mm as groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively). Patients had transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL), percutaneous cystolithotripsy (PCCL), and open cystolithotomy (OCL) performed. Results: Stone fragments were removed completely in all patients. When catheter time, postoperative stay, and hematocrit decrease values were compared, the results were significantly higher for OCL in all three groups ( p: 0.001). When the relationship between stone sizes and operation time is evaluated, TUCL had shorter operation times (34.1 ± 10.6 min) in group 1. However, TUCL had longer operation times in group 2 and group 3 compared to OCL and PCCL. Conclusion: TUCL may be preferable due to better postoperative outcomes and shorter operative time for ⩽2 cm stones. As the stone size increases, PCCL is more favorable in terms of operation time.