Day theatre procedure
About this service
Bladder stone removal, or litholapaxy, is a urological procedure available in Windhoek that crushes and removes stones from the bladder using a scope passed through the urethra, avoiding the need for open surgery. Bladder stones can cause pain, blood in the urine, or a disrupted urine stream, and larger stones don't usually pass on their own. Litholapaxy breaks the stone into small fragments that can then be flushed out, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
At Eastgate Clinic this procedure is performed in our on-site day theatre by a visiting urologist, with consultation and follow-up managed by your GP in our rooms. Your doctor will advise if this approach suits your stone.
What to expect
- Imaging confirms the size and number of stones so the urologist can plan the procedure.
- Under anaesthesia the stone is broken into fragments through a scope and the pieces are washed out of the bladder.
- The urologist also checks the prostate and urethra for the blockage that let the stone form.
- A follow-up scan confirms the bladder is clear and treatment of the underlying cause is discussed.
Who is it for?
You may be advised to have this if you are dealing with:
- Pelvic or lower abdominal pain linked to a bladder stone
- Blood in the urine
- A disrupted or interrupted urine stream
- A bladder stone confirmed on ultrasound or scan
- Referral from your GP for urological assessment
Frequently asked questions
How are bladder stones removed without open surgery?
A scope is passed through the urethra and the stone is crushed or broken up with an instrument or laser, then the fragments are flushed out. No incision is needed.
What causes bladder stones in adults?
Most form when the bladder does not empty fully, often because of an enlarged prostate, a narrowed urethra or nerve problems. Your urologist looks for the cause so the stones do not return.
Do I need a referral for bladder stone removal?
Book at Eastgate Clinic first. Your doctor confirms the stone on a scan and refers you to the visiting urologist, who carries out the litholapaxy in our on-site day theatre.
For referring doctors
This procedure can be booked in Eastgate Clinic's on-site day theatre in Windhoek, with anaesthetist and theatre staff provided. Contact us to arrange theatre time for your patient.
Day theatre information for doctorsReady to book your bladder stone removal (litholapaxy)?
Choose a date and time online and we will confirm your appointment at Eastgate Clinic in Windhoek. Medical aid and private patients welcome.