Is the holmium:YAG laser the best intracorporeal lithotripter for the ureter? A 3-year retrospective study.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

To study the efficiency and safety of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for ureteral stones.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

A series of 188 patients with 208 ureteral stones were treated with semirigid ureteroscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy from January 2003 to December 2005. Of the stones, 116 were lower ureteral, 37 middle ureteral, and 55 upper ureteral.

RESULTS:

The success rate was 92.7% at the time of ureteroscopy and 96.7% at 3 months. The failures were secondary to retropulsion of the stones (3.3%). There were no perforations and one stricture. Stenting was done in 90% of patients.

CONCLUSIONS:

The Holmium:YAG laser is an ideal intracorporeal lithotripter for ureteral calculi, with a high success rate and low morbidity.

• Authors: Pawan Kumar Gupta
• Journal: Journal of endourology (J Endourol) Vol. 21 Issue 3 Pg. 305-9 (Mar 2007) ISSN: 0892-7790 [Print] United States
• PMID: 17444776 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Humans
• Lithotripsy, Laser
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Retrospective Studies
• Stents
• Treatment Outcome
• Ureteral Calculi (surgery)
• Ureteroscopy