Nano arthroscopy helps remove bladder stones in dogs during surgery

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe the feasibility of the Nano arthroscopy imaging system (NanoScope; Arthrex Inc) as an intraoperative tool in traditional open cystotomy for assessment of urolith removal in the canine lower urinary tract. ANIMALS: This was a retrospective case series of dogs that underwent open cystotomy followed by Nano arthroscopy imaging system evaluation at a single institution between August 2021 and September 2023. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: The 13 client-owned dogs that were included presented with urinary obstruction (4 of 13), bladder stones (7 of 13), hematuria and abdominal pain (1 of 13), or incidental urolithiasis (1 of 13), with age ranging from 2 to 14 years old (median, 8 years), weighing 2.5 to 41.7 kg (median, 13 kg), and consisting of various breeds. Physical examination findings included bladder distension, pain on abdominal palpation, stranguria, dysuria, and hematuria or were unremarkable in cases of incidental stone detection. RESULTS: Cystotomy with the Nano arthroscopy imaging system resulted in complete urolith removal in 12 of 13 cases, as demonstrated by postoperative radiographs. There were no reported complications associated with Nano arthroscopy imaging system use. Intraoperatively, the system was found to be practical and user-friendly and provide enhanced assessment of the bladder and lower urinary tract. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The study highlighted the clinical utility of the Nano arthroscopy imaging system in canine traditional open cystotomy. The system's ease of use, coupled with its ability to facilitate intraoperative detection of stones, supported its integration into routine practice.