Ureteroscopic Lithotripsy with the Holmium: YAG Laser / 대한비뇨기과학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: Holmium YAG laser (Ho YAG laser) lithotripsy represents an additional option in the management of urinary tract calculi. We report here on the results for the success and complications of Ho YAG laser lithotripsy on the management of ureteric calculi. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 132 patients (72 males and 60 females, mean age 46 years (range 26-75)) underwent 137 ureteroscopic procedures using a 6/7.5Fr semi-rigid ureterocope (Wolf, Germany). A Ho YAG laser (Trimedyne Inc., Irvine, USA) was used for laser lithotripsy at a maximum energy of 1.0J/pulse at 10Hz. The calculi were located in the lower ureter in 93 cases, the middle ureter in 20 cases and the upper ureter in 24 cases. The patients were assessed with plain x-ray within 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: The overall stone-free rate was 98%. Stratifying the results by location, the stone-free rate was 99% in the lower ureter, 95% in the middle ureter and 96% in the upper ureter. Fragmentation failed in three cases (2%). Ureteral stricture developed in one case postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Ho YAG laser lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe treatment modality for managing ureteral calculi.