A cystotomy is a surgical opening made in the wall of the urinary bladder. This procedure allows the surgeon to look inside the bladder. While x-rays, ultrasound examination, and cystoscopy (scoping the bladder) are less invasive methods of looking into the bladder, cystotomy has an important role in treatment of urinary bladder problems.
To begin the surgery an incision is made through the abdomen. The urinary bladder is then isolated with sterile sponges and an incision is made. Any urine in the bladder is removed to prevent contamination of the abdomen. The bladder is then cleared of stones, tumor, or clots of blood. The bladder is then flushed, then sutured with dissolvable sutures. The abdominal incision is then closed with one or two layers of dissolvable sutures. Then lastly the outer layer of skin is closed with sutures or surgical staples which need to be removed in 10-14 days.
