Holmium laser lithotripsy and its effects on postoperative complications in urolithiasis

This study investigated the impact of holmium laser lithotripsy on the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with urolithiasis.

This study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 115 patients diagnosed with urolithiasis and treated at our hospital were enrolled. According to the surgical procedure used, patients were assigned to a control group [n = 57, received extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)], and a study group (n = 58, underwent holmium laser lithotripsy]. Baseline characteristics were compared. Postoperative complication rates, treatment efficacy, operative indicators (operative time, hematuria volume within 24 h postoperatively, time to first ambulation, and hospital stay), and levels of inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein [CRP], procalcitonin [PCT]), and renal function indicators (serum creatinine [Scr]) were measured before surgery and one day postoperatively.

No significant differences were noted in baseline characteristics between the two groups (P > 0.05). The study group demonstrated a lower incidence of postoperative complications, a higher overall effective treatment rate, as well as lower operative time, hematuria volume within 24 h postoperatively, time to first ambulation, and length of hospital stay (P < 0.05) relative to the control group. One day post-surgery, CRP, PCT, and Scr levels increased in both groups relative to preoperative values (P < 0.05), but the elevations were significantly lower in the study group (P < 0.05).

Holmium laser lithotripsy effectively decreases the incidence of postoperative complications in patients with urolithiasis, improves therapeutic outcomes, reduces surgical trauma, alleviates postoperative inflammatory responses, and mitigates renal functional impairment.