Cystotomy

Cystotomy refers to a surgery on the urinary bladder. The bladder is like a balloon that fills up as the kidneys make urine. It is the collection system for all of our wastes the kidney filters out. An incision is made in the middle, lower part of the abdomen to access the bladder. The bladder is then exteriorized and incised to permit access to the interior part. It usually involves removing uroliths (bladder stones,) removing masses (polyps or tumors), or getting a biopsy of the bladder wall to diagnose a chronic disease of the bladder. Removal of bladder stones is the most common reason veterinarians perform a cystotomy. All ages and breeds of cats and dogs may be affected. The stones will form as a result of infection, or a constant change in the pH of the urine (ie. too acidic or too basic). Both cats and dogs can be affected by bladder stones. Dietary management after surgery can help to regulate the pH of the pet’s urine so that the stones don't form again. The prognosis after surgical removal of bladder stones is good. Post operative complications are rare but can include infection and urine leaking from the bladder into the abdomen. Please see our FAQ section to learn more about specific diseases of the bladder and the different kinds of uroliths.