Effect of Amplatz Sheath on Cystolithotripsy for Women with Large Bladder Stone

OBJECTIVE This study compared the effect of endourological procedures with or without the Amplatz sheath (AS) on cystolithotripsy. METHODS We retrospectively analysed 18 patients who underwent treatment for bladder stone over 30 mm. This study consisted of two groups, namely, patients who underwent cystolithotripsy with an AS (AS group) and those who underwent standard procedure without an AS (SP group). The stone-free rate, total energy used for operation, operation time, days of admission after operation, and complication of both groups were compared. RESULTS The number of patients in the AS and SP groups was 10 and 8, respectively. Significant differences were not found between these two groups with regard to age, stone burden, stone volume, number of stones, and history of neurogenic bladder. All patients in both groups achieved a stone-free state. Total energy was significantly increased and operation time was shorter in the AS group. No significant difference was observed in terms of days of admission after operation. Any complications were not increased by the use of AS. Struvite was the most common stone component in both groups. CONCLUSION Use of an AS can shorten the operation time of cystolithotripsy without increasing perioperative complication.