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Updated: Nov 19, 2025

Photoselective Vaporesection of the Prostate via an End-firing Lithium Triborate Crystal Laser
Published on: May 9, 2018
Pulsed lasers and endocorporeal laser lithotripsy.
F Panthier1, S Doizi2, M Corrales2
1GRC n(o)20, groupe de recherche clinique sur la lithiase urinaire, hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne université, 75020 Paris, France; Service d'urologie, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, hôpital Tenon, Sorbonne université, 4, rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France; Service d'urologie, Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, hôpital européen Georges-Pompidou, université de Paris, 20, rue Leblanc, 75015 Paris, France.
Thulium fibre laser is evaluated as a new alternative for endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (ELL), a key treatment for kidney stones during surgery. This study details laser technology and modes for both thulium fibre and holmium:YAG lasers.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Laser technology
- Nephrolithiasis treatment
Background:
- Endocorporeal laser lithotripsy (ELL) is the standard for renal stone treatment during retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS).
- Holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) lasers are the established technology for ELL.
- Thulium fibre (Tm-Fibre) lasers are newly authorized and being assessed as an alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present the fundamental principles of pulsed lasers used in ELL.
- To compare the available lithotripsy modes for Tm-Fibre and Ho:YAG lasers.
- To evaluate Tm-Fibre lasers as a potential alternative to Ho:YAG lasers for renal stone treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of pulsed laser technology fundamentals for ELL.
- Analysis of laser parameters: period, pulse characteristics (rate, duration, energy, shape), peak power, and average power.
- Examination of available lithotripsy modes for both Tm-Fibre and Ho:YAG laser systems.
Main Results:
- Detailed explanation of pulsed laser technology relevant to ELL.
- Comparison of operational characteristics and lithotripsy modes between Tm-Fibre and Ho:YAG lasers.
- Identification of Tm-Fibre laser as a viable alternative for ELL.
Conclusions:
- Tm-Fibre lasers offer a new technological option for endocorporeal laser lithotripsy.
- Understanding laser fundamentals and modes is crucial for effective renal stone treatment.
- Further evaluation of Tm-Fibre lasers in clinical practice is warranted.
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