title: Local anesthesia and hydro-distension to facilitate cystic calculus removal in horses.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To report a technique for improving surgical access to the bladder for removal of cystic calculi in male horses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Retrospective case series.
  
  
  METHODS
  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 ≈ 40 cm H(2) O, using gravity feed. This was left in place until abdominal access was gained at surgery, then the fluid siphoned off via the catheter.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Calculi were 3-11 cm in 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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The described technique facilitates exteriorization of the bladder for removal of cystic calculi.
authors.affiliation: Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital, Congupna, Victoria, Australia. thehorsevet@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Russell
authors.forename: Patrick J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Pollock
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000662:veterinary*; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D006736:Horses; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D001744:Urinary Bladder Calculi / Q000601:surgery / Q000662:veterinary*; D013521:Urologic Surgical Procedures, Male / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*
chemical_list: D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine