Cystolitholapaxy Without Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: Clinical Outcomes and Predictors of Subsequent Resection

Background/Objectives: Limited data exist on the outcomes of men with bladder stones undergoing cystolitholapaxy alone versus cystolitholapaxy with concurrent transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Additionally, factors associated with the need for subsequent TURP in these patients are not well defined. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes in men undergoing cystolitholapaxy alone with those undergoing concurrent cystolitholapaxy with TURP, and determine what factors were associated with the need for subsequent TURP. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of men undergoing cystolitholapaxy at a single Australian hospital between 2014 and 2021. Patients were grouped into cystolitholapaxy alone (Group A) and cystolitholapaxy with concurrent TURP (Group B). Clinical outcomes compared included rates of acute urinary retention (AUR), urinary tract infection (UTI), and subsequent TURP. Prostate volume (PV), stone size, and the presence of intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP) were evaluated as potential predictors of subsequent TURP in Group A. Results: Fifty men were included in the final analysis, with a median follow-up of 50 months (interquartile range [IQR] 24–81). Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of AUR (11% vs. 13%) or UTI (22% vs. 30%) between Group A and Group B, respectively. However, 41% of Group A underwent subsequent TURP, compared to 9% in Group B (p = 0.0112). Within Group A, those requiring subsequent TURP had a significantly greater PV (65 vs. 34 cc, p = 0.0059), larger stone size (3.5 vs. 2.0 cm, p = 0.0175), and a higher prevalence of IPP (82% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Cystolitholapaxy alone is a viable initial treatment for bladder stones, with comparable clinical outcomes to concurrent TURP. PV, stone size, and IPP may help identify patients likely to require future TURP, enabling more tailored treatment and potential reduction in TURP-related morbidity.