Kidney & Bladder Surgery
Bladder Stone Removal (Cystolitholapaxy)
A quick, minimally invasive laser procedure to break and remove painful bladder stones. No cuts or scars, with most patients returning home the same day and feeling relief within 48 hours.
Key takeaways
- A quick, minimally invasive laser procedure to break and remove painful bladder stones. No cuts or scars, with most patients returning home the same day and feeling relief within 48 hours.
- Specialty: Kidney & Bladder Surgery
30–60
Typical procedure timemin
Day case
Usually home the same day
48
Relief often withinhrs
Treatment Overview
About Bladder Stone Removal (Cystolitholapaxy)
Cystolitholapaxy is a modern, routine procedure used to remove stones from the bladder. Instead of traditional surgery that requires a large cut, this treatment is performed entirely through your natural water pipe (urethra) using a tiny camera called a cystoscope.
Once your specialist finds the stones, they use a high-powered laser to 'drill' them into tiny, flushable fragments. These pieces are then safely washed or suctioned out. This may be done at the same time as a prostate treatment (like HoLEP or Rezum), because an enlarged prostate is often the reason these stones formed in the first place.
Safety Information
Benefits, Risks & Side Effects
01
Benefits
The main benefit of this procedure is immediate relief. Bladder stones can cause significant pain, interrupted urine flow, and repeated infections; these symptoms usually disappear almost immediately after the stones are removed.
No external cuts: Because we use your natural pathways, there are no scars and no stitches.
Rapid recovery: Most people are back to their normal routine within just a few days.
High success: The laser is incredibly effective at clearing stones in a single session.
02
Risks
While this procedure is evidence-based and follows best-practice clinical standards, it is important to understand the potential risks involved. We categorize these complications by their frequency to help you make an informed decision, though the impact of these can vary from patient to patient.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Infection: Developing a temporary urinary tract infection (UTI) that requires treatment with antibiotics.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Residual Fragments: A small stone fragment being left behind, which could require a follow-up to clear.
🔴 Rare (Between 1 in 50 and 1 in 250 patients)
Nicks or Scratches: A tiny nick or scratch to the water pipe (urethra) or a perforation (hole) in the bladder wall.
General Medical Issues: Rare complications related to anesthesia, such as chest infections or blood clots.
03
Side Effects
To help you prepare for your recovery, we use the following traffic light system to outline common after-effects. Many of these are self-limiting or temporary reactions that settle as your bladder heals.
🟢 Common (More than 1 in 10 patients)
Burning: A stinging or burning sensation when you pee.
Sensitivity: Feeling like you need to go to the toilet more often or more urgently.
🟡 Occasional (Between 1 in 10 and 1 in 50 patients)
Blood in Urine: Seeing blood in your urine—it may look pink or red—for the first two or three days.
What We Treat
How Bladder Stone Removal (Cystolitholapaxy) Can Help You
This treatment is effective for a wide range of health needs. Select a condition below to learn more about how we can support your recovery and improve your daily well-being.
Patient Journey
What to Expect
A step-by-step guide through your Bladder Stone Removal (Cystolitholapaxy) journey—from preparation and what happens during the procedure to recovery and aftercare.
01/ 03
Before Procedure
To prepare for a successful surgery, you will have a quick ultrasound or CT scan to see exactly how many stones there are and how large they have grown.
Infection Check: You must provide a urine sample one week before to make sure you don't have an active infection.
Health Check: You’ll have a pre-operative assessment to ensure you are fit for the procedure.
Medication: Tell your specialist about any blood-thinning medication, as you may need to pause it for a few days.
Fasting: You must not eat or drink (nil by mouth) for 6 hours before your operation. You may be allowed to drink clear fluids like water up until closer to your surgery, but please follow the instructions given at pre-assessment.
02/ 03
During Procedure
The surgery is usually performed while you are asleep (general anaesthetic) or numbed from the waist down (spinal anaesthetic). It typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Your specialist guides a small camera through your natural water pipe—no incisions are made.
A precision laser fibre is used to break the stones into small, sand-like pieces.
The fragments are removed from your bladder.
The surgeon performs a final check to ensure the bladder is completely clear and healthy.
03/ 03
After Procedure
Most patients go home the same day. You may have a temporary tube (catheter) to drain your bladder for a few hours, but this is usually removed before you leave the hospital.
Hydration: It is very important to drink about 2.5 litres of water a day for the first week to keep your system flushed.
Rest: Avoid heavy lifting (like heavy shopping bags) for about a week.
Follow-up: We often book a simple flow test 6 weeks later to make sure your bladder is emptying perfectly and that you are happy with the results.
Specialists
Specialists for Bladder Stone Removal (Cystolitholapaxy)
Leading experts for this treatment. View profiles to see clinical backgrounds and current availability.
Mr. James ArmitageConsultant Urologist
Mr. Nimish ShahConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor Christof KastnerAssociate Professor & Consultant Urologist
Mr. Kasra Saeb-ParsyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Oliver WisemanConsultant Urologist
Mr. David ThurtleConsultant Urological Surgeon
Professor John KellyConsultant Urological Surgeon
Mr. Laurian DragosConsultant Urologist
Mr. Tev AhoConsultant UrologistOur Commitment
Care you can trust
Every treatment is delivered to the same standard: senior consultants, a personalised plan, and the safety of an accredited private hospital behind you.
Consultant-Led Excellence
Receive evidence-based treatments delivered by senior NHS consultants in a professional, specialist setting.
Personalised Care Plans
Your consultant will design a bespoke treatment plan tailored to your specific health goals and lifestyle.
Hospital-Grade Safety
We operate within leading private hospitals, adhering to strict CQC safety and technology standards.
A Heritage of Trust
Our partners bring decades of NHS and private experience, successfully managing thousands of patient cases.
Trusted Resources
Trusted Patient Resources
For your insurer
Patient Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this treatment and what to expect.
3 questions
Bladder stones almost always form because the bladder isn't emptying completely. This is most commonly caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH) blocking the exit, or sometimes by a 'neurogenic bladder' where the nerves don't signal the bladder to squeeze properly. If we don't treat the underlying cause of the blockage, there is a high chance the stones will return within a few years.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Unlike some types of kidney stones (like uric acid stones), bladder stones are usually very hard and composed of various minerals that do not respond well to 'dissolving' medications. Because they are often large by the time they cause symptoms, endoscopic laser surgery is the most reliable and efficient way to remove them.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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Since the procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia, you won't feel anything during the surgery. Afterward, most patients describe the discomfort as similar to a mild bladder infection—a bit of stinging when you pee and a heavy feeling in the pelvis. This usually settles within 2 to 3 days with simple over-the-counter painkillers.
Reviewed 2 Mar 2026
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