Pulsed Dye Laser Fragmentation of Urinary Calculi : Clinical Experience

Ryu, Jong Hyun; Kim, Ki Kyung

Abstract

The pulsed dye laser, emitting at wavelengths of 504nm. for 1 micro sec. at a frequency of 10 Hz. transmitted via a 200 micron in-diameter silicon-coated fiber, was send for fragmentation of urinary stones. The mechanism of stone fragmentation by laser is 'shock wave' formation by laser light ( photoacoustic effect). From Nov. 1988 to Apr. 1990, we performed 89 procedures in 86 patients for the removal of stones (80 procedures in 77 ureteral stones, 3 procedures in bladder stones and 6 procedures in urethral stones). Of the calculi 80 were fragmented to spontaneously passable or easily extractable fragments. There was no significant complications attributable to laser lithotripsy. And there was no significant differences in the fragmentation of stones according to the component. So, we think that laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective modality in management of the urinary stones including renal and upper ureter stones with some exceptions if deflecting ureterorenoscope is available.