Definitive treatment for bladder stones
Cystolitholapaxy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses laser energy to pulverize bladder stones — without any incisions. Once the stones are broken down into tiny particles, they’re washed out of the bladder through the same scope used to find them. Performed under general anesthesia, with same-day return home in most cases.
Understanding cystolitholapaxy
Cystolitholapaxy is performed to remove bladder stones when they’re too large to pass on their own. Under general anesthesia, a lighted scope is gently passed into the bladder through the urethra — no incisions are required.
Once inside, your urologist uses laser energy (or in some cases other lithotripsy means) to pulverize the stones until the particles are small enough to be safely washed out of the bladder. The procedure is the gold-standard treatment for bladder stones that can’t be passed naturally.
From stone to washout
The procedure uses precision laser energy to break stones down into fragments small enough to be flushed out.
Four precision steps
No cutting required. The entire procedure is performed through the body’s natural pathway — the urethra — so there are no surgical incisions on the abdomen or anywhere else.
A lighted scope passes through the urethra into the bladder.
Direct visualization identifies every stone in the bladder.
Stones are broken into tiny particles using laser energy.
Fragments are flushed out of the bladder through the scope.
This is a surgical procedure
Unlike many of our in-office procedures, cystolitholapaxy is performed under general anesthesia. This means you’ll need to follow standard pre-operative instructions — including fasting and reviewing your current medications with your provider.
You’ll also need to arrange transportation home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself after general anesthesia.
The essentials
No incisions
Performed through the urethra — no surgical cuts
General anesthesia
Requires fasting and a driver home
Laser-powered
Stones are pulverized into tiny fragments
Possible catheter
May go home with a temporary catheter
When cystolitholapaxy is recommended
When bladder stones are too large to pass naturally, or when they’re causing significant symptoms or complications, cystolitholapaxy is typically the recommended treatment.
Symptomatic Bladder Stones
When bladder stones are causing pain, urinary symptoms, blood in the urine, or recurring infections
Learn more →Large Stones
Stones too large to pass through the urethra naturally on their own
Recurring UTIs from Stones
Bladder stones harbor bacteria — removing them is often essential to breaking the UTI cycle
Learn more →BPH-Related Stones
In men, an enlarged prostate often contributes to stone formation by causing incomplete bladder emptying
Learn more →What to expect
From check-in to recovery — here’s the timeline of your procedure day.
Check in
Arrive fasting per pre-op instructions with your driver.
Anesthesia
General anesthesia administered by your anesthesia team.
The procedure
Scope inserted, stones pulverized and washed out.
Recovery
Wake up in recovery — monitored briefly before discharge.
Go home
Driver takes you home, possibly with a temporary catheter.
You may go home with a temporary catheter
Depending on the procedure specifics and your individual healing needs, you may be sent home with a catheter draining the bladder to a bag for a few days. This gives the bladder time to heal and ensures stone fragments are fully flushed out.
Your provider will give you specific instructions on catheter care before you leave — and you’ll return to the office to have it removed when appropriate. Not every patient needs one.
Normal aftereffects & warning signs
Some short-term aftereffects are expected and improve quickly. Others warrant a call.
What’s normal
When to reach out
Schedule a consultation.
If bladder stones have been diagnosed or suspected, schedule with our urology team. We’ll evaluate your situation, discuss whether cystolitholapaxy is the right approach, and walk you through every step of preparation and recovery.