A board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, serves as the department head of internal medicine with the Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital in Los Angeles. As a specialist, Joseph Bisignano, DVM, also has training in urological procedures such as urethral stenting, laser lithotripsy, and percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) for stone removal.
Percutaneous cystolithotomy (PCCL) is a minimally invasive procedure used to remove bladder and urethral stones in small pets, including cats and many dog breeds. In cats and dogs, bladder stones can cause symptoms such as discolored urine, blood in the urine, decreased energy levels, frequent urination of small amounts, and discomfort during urination. Bladder stones can become a medical emergency if they obstruct urination completely. If a pet is straining to urinate and eventually excretes very little or no urine, this may be a sign of complete bladder obstruction and should be treated as a medical emergency.
During PCCL for bladder stone removal, a veterinarian makes a 6 mm incision to expose the pet's bladder and uses a magnified scope called a cystoscope and surgical instruments to locate and remove the stones. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine recommends PCCL for bladder stone removal. The procedure offers ample benefits over conventional surgery for stone removal. Compared to conventional stone removal surgery, PCCL involves smaller incisions and has been attributed to a lower rate of recurring stones. The smaller incision also reduces the risk of infection and facilitates post-operative recovery.
