Holmium: YAG laser lithotripsy for the treatment of ureteral stones: Report of 238 / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of holmium laser lithotripsy for ureteral stones. Methods A total of 238 patients with ureteral stones (upper segment, 60 patients; middle segment, 93; lower segment, 85) received the holmium laser lithotripsy under a semi-rigid ureteropyeloscope. Results Stones were successfully fragmented on one session in 97.1% of patients (231/238). The success rate was 91.7% in patients with stones in the upper ureteral segment (55/60) and 98.9% in patients with stones in the!mid-lower ureteral segment (176/178). Five patients with bilateral ureteral stones associated with acute renal failure and anuria returned to normal rapidly. No complications such as perforation or severe trauma were encountered during the operation. The postoperative hospital stay of the 231 patients was 1~2 days (mean, 1.3 days). Follow-up for 0.5~12 months (mean, 4.1 months) revealed a stone-free rate of 98.7% (228/231). No stricture of the ureter was found. Conclusions Holmium YAG laser lithotripsy is effective, mini-invasive and safe. It is indicated as the first choice in the treatment of ureteral stones, especially stones located in the mid-lower ureteral segment.