Clinical experience with high power (140 mj.), large fiber (320 micron) pulsed dye laser lithotripsy

The pulsed dye laser, at 504 nm. wavelength with a pulse duration of 1 microsecond, was used at 140 mj. per pulse via a 320 mu. (core) fiber for fragmentation of 72 ureteral calculi. The fragmentation efficiency and clinical results using the 140 mj./320 mu. fiber were compared to previous experience using the 60 mj./200 mu. (core) fiber. Fragmentation efficiency was significantly improved requiring many fewer laser pulses to fragment calculi of similar size and composition, and decreasing the need for auxiliary methods to complete stone fragmentation. The higher energy and larger fiber allowed for more efficient ureteroscopic ureteral stone fragmentation without compromising tissue safety.