Local Anesthesia and Hydro-Distension to Facilitate Cystic Calculus Removal in Horses

Objective: To report a technique for improving surgical access to the bladder for removal of cystic calculi in male horses. Study Design: Retrospective case series. Animals or Sample Population: Geldings (8) with cystic calculi. Methods: After catheterization of the bladder through the penis, 100 mL 2% lidocaine hydrochloride solution was instilled. After 10 minutes, the bladder was distended with sterile, warmed Hartmann's solution to a pressure of similar to 40 cm H2O, using gravity feed. This was left in place until abdominal access was gained at surgery, then the fluid siphoned off via the catheter. Results: Calculiwere 3-11cmin diameter (median, 6 cm). Bladder capacity ranged from 1.4 to 2.5 L (median, 1.8 L). Exteriorization time from placing a hand in the abdomen to having the bladder in a surgically accessible position was <5 minutes. Conclusion: The described technique facilitates exteriorization of the bladder for removal of cystic calculi.