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Endoscopic lithotripsy with the holmium:YAG laser
1Department of Urology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume City 8300011, Japan. keimat@med.kurume-u.ac.jp
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine
|December 22, 1999
Summary
The holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser effectively treats urinary tract stones via endoscopic lithotripsy. This study shows Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy achieves excellent clinical outcomes, proving it a cost-effective option.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Laser Medicine
- Nephrology
Background:
- Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) laser is applicable for hard tissue, including urinary calculi.
- Endoscopic lithotripsy is a key treatment for urinary tract stones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of Ho:YAG laser for endoscopic lithotripsy in patients with urinary tract stones.
Main Methods:
- 102 lithotripsy procedures were performed on 96 patients.
- Procedures included transurethral ureterolithotripsy (TUL), percutaneous nephrolithotripsy, and transurethral cystolithotripsy.
- Ho:YAG laser was used to fragment stones.
Main Results:
- An overall efficacy rate of 93% was achieved across all procedures.
- Efficacy rates for TUL varied by stone location: 85% (proximal ureter), 94% (midureter), and 100% (distal ureter).
Conclusions:
- Ho:YAG laser provides sufficient lithotripsy force for all urinary tract stones.
- Clinical outcomes are comparable or superior to pulsed dye laser lithotripsy.
- Ho:YAG laser is a versatile, cost-effective tool for endoscopic urinary stone lithotripsy.