Related Experiment Videos
[Laser lithotripsy with automatic shut-off on tissue contact].
N Schmeller1, M Kriegmair, B Liedl
1Urologische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München.
Der Urologe. Ausg. A
|November 1, 1990
Summary
Pulsed dye-laser lithotripsy effectively fragments ureteral calculi, offering a safe alternative when extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is unsuitable. This laser treatment shows high success rates for ureteral stones.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Laser Medicine
Context:
- Ureteral calculi pose a significant clinical challenge.
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a common treatment, but not always effective or feasible.
- Ureteroscopic interventions are often required for impacted or ESWL-resistant stones.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pulsed dye-laser lithotripsy for treating ureteral calculi.
- To compare laser lithotripsy outcomes with other ureteroscopic techniques and ESWL.
Summary:
- A study treated 89 ureteral calculi in 88 patients using pulsed dye-laser lithotripsy under visual control via ureteroscopes.
- The laser featured automatic shut-off based on back-scattered light, ensuring pulse delivery only upon stone contact.
- Complete fragmentation was achieved in 65.2% of stones with laser lithotripsy alone, 16.8% with combined laser and ESWL, and 10.1% with other ureteroscopic methods. Only 1% required ureterolithotomy, and 5.6% were too hard for fragmentation.
Impact:
- Pulsed dye-laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective modality for ureteral calculi, particularly those inaccessible or resistant to ESWL.
- The study highlights the potential of laser technology in urolithiasis management.
- Further research is needed to determine the optimal laser or lithotripsy method for ureteral stones.