[Pulsed Neodimium-Yag laser in the management of ureteral calculi]

The authors report their experience with the laser smashing of 105 ureteral calculi between Sept. 1 1989 and Sept. 30 1992. Applying the pulsating Nd-Yag laser through an ureteroscope as a monotherapy, they have obtained good results in 83% of the cases. Using complementary methods in addition, the successful elimination of calculi was 95%. The possible complications are discussed and the advantages and disadvantages of the different energy sources used for smashing the calculi are compared. On the basis of their results, the authors consider that endoscopic treatment of ureteral calculi may be indicated even in the era of extracorporeal stonesmashing. They stress that endoscopic operations are only preferable compared to ESWL-treatment if all indispensable devices are available: energy sources and thin, flexible devices for energy conduction. Among them--literature confirms it--laser-energy is the most expedient and least invasive. Laser was first applied for smashing ureteral calculi in Hungary.