[Cystolithotripsy for bladder stones: comparison of holmium:YAG laser with Lithoclast as a lithotripsy device]

From March 1995 to March 1999, endoscopic lithotripsy of bladder stones was done for 33 patients. We used Holmium:YAG laser for the initial 23 patients, and the Swiss Lithoclast for the recent 10 patients. We compared the safety and efficacy of the two modalities. Both lithotriptors were safe and effective to fragment the bladder stones. All the patients became stone-free at one session. However, we needed to use the Holmium:YAG laser in one patient to disintegrate the larger fragments after Lithoclast. For a big stone, Holmium:YAG laser is preferable.