In simple words: The doctor inserts a thin tube with a camera into the bladder to locate and break up a small bladder stone using sound waves. The stone pieces are then flushed out.

This procedure involves the insertion of a cystourethroscope into the bladder through the urethra.The stone's location is identified, and lithotripsy equipment (usually ultrasonic) is used to crush the stone.Irrigating fluid then washes out the fragments.The cystourethroscope confirms complete stone removal before withdrawal.

Example 1: A 60-year-old male presents with symptoms of bladder stones. Cystoscopy reveals a small stone (less than 2.5 cm) in the bladder.The physician performs a cystolitholapaxy using an ultrasonic lithotripter. Post-procedure imaging shows complete stone clearance., A 45-year-old female experiences urinary frequency and pain.A small bladder stone is identified during cystoscopy.The physician performs 52317, and the fragments are completely removed. The patient reports significant symptom relief., A 72-year-old male with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections undergoes cystoscopy, which reveals a small, easily fragmented bladder stone. The physician performs a cystolitholapaxy (52317) successfully removing all fragments.

Pre-operative diagnosis (e.g., imaging studies demonstrating bladder stone), operative report detailing the procedure, including size of stone, type of lithotripter used, and confirmation of complete stone removal. Post-operative imaging (optional, but recommended to confirm complete stone removal).

** This code is for simple or small stones.Complicated or larger stones require code 52318.Always document the size of the stone and the method of fragmentation.