Related Experiment Videos
Holmium:YAG laser for urinary stones
K Taari1, K Lehtoranta, S Rannikko
1Department of Urology, Helsinki City Hospital, Helsinki, Finland. taari@netlife.fi
Scandinavian Journal of Urology and Nephrology
|November 26, 1999
Summary
Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy effectively treats most urinary stones, achieving a 95% success rate for ureteric calculi. While reliable, larger or harder stones may require combined treatments, with rare complications like ureteric perforations noted.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Endourology
- Laser Surgery
Background:
- Urinary stones pose a significant clinical challenge.
- Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy is an established treatment modality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy for various urinary stones.
- To assess the success rates and potential complications associated with this procedure.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 64 procedures involving 59 patients and 85 urinary stones treated between 1993 and 1997.
- Included ureteric, bladder, and renal calculi, as well as a ureterocele stone.
Main Results:
- Ho:YAG laser successfully fragmented all stone types.
- A 95% clinical success rate was observed for ureteric stones, with 76% stone-free and 18% having fragments <2mm.
- Four ureteric perforations and one ureteric stricture (leading to nephrectomy) were recorded.
Conclusions:
- Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is a reliable and effective treatment for most urinary stones.
- Combined disintegration methods are beneficial for large or hard stones.
- Potential complications include ureteric perforations and strictures, necessitating careful management.