Hyderabad, April 2024 – In a remarkable display of medical innovation, Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, a Pediatric Urologist, successfully performed a no-scalpel cystolithotripsy procedure on a 5-month-old girl, removing a bladder stone without surgical incisions or cuts. The infant, from a farmer’s family in Nakarakal Mandal, Nalgonda district, Telangana, benefitted from this minimally invasive technique that uses advanced laser technology to break down the stone into tiny particles, which are then naturally passed through urination, reducing discomfort and speeding up recovery.

The baby presented with symptoms of passing small stones during urination and frequent fever episodes. An ultrasound revealed an 8 mm stone in her bladder and mild bladder wall thickening (cystitis), while her kidneys remained normal. After careful evaluation, Dr. Karunakaran and his team decided on cystolithotripsy under general anesthesia. They employed a Thulium Fiber laser to fragment the stone into particles smaller than 2 mm, which were successfully removed without complications.

Post-surgery, the focus shifted to pain management and preventive care, with regular follow-ups scheduled to monitor the baby’s kidney function and overall health to ensure smooth recovery.