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Preliminary experience with holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy
J D Denstedt1, H A Razvi, J L Sales
1Division of Urology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Journal of Endourology
|June 1, 1995
Summary
The holmium: YAG laser effectively fragments urinary stones during ureteroscopy and nephrolithotripsy. Further research is needed to optimize settings and minimize tissue injury risks.
Area of Science:
- Urology
- Laser Technology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Pulsed-dye laser lithotripsy is established for urinary stone fragmentation.
- The holmium: YAG laser offers potential for both soft tissue and lithotripsy applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the preliminary experience with the holmium: YAG laser for urinary stone lithotripsy.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of Ho:YAG laser in fragmenting urinary calculi.
Main Methods:
- Ureteroscopy with laser fragmentation (lasertripsy) was performed on 21 patients with ureteral stones.
- Percutaneous flexible nephrolithotripsy was utilized in four patients for caliceal stone fragmentation.
Main Results:
- Successful fragmentation of ureteral stones was achieved in 92% of patients.
- The Ho:YAG laser proved useful in fragmenting remote caliceal stones during nephrolithotripsy.
- One ureteral perforation occurred, related to laser use under fluoroscopic guidance.
Conclusions:
- The holmium: YAG laser is effective for intracorporeal lithotripsy of urinary stones.
- Further investigation into tissue effects and optimal energy settings is required to mitigate injury risks.