Korean J Urol.  2004 Sep;45(9):915-918.

Clinical Experience of Holmium:YAG Laser in Ureteroscopic Removal of Ureteral Calculi

• Lee JH
• Lee SI
• Jeong TY

Abstract

PURPOSE: We report our experience to assess the effectiveness and safety of Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for managing ureteral calculi.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Ureteroscopic Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed in 116 cases from November 1999 to October 2003. Calculi were located at the upper ureter in 9%, mid ureter in 19% and lower ureter in 72%. The mean stone size was 1.2cm. A 8Fr semirigid ureterorenoscope, 7.5Fr flexible ureterorenoscope and holmium:YAG laser (Trimedyne, Irvine, USA) with 365mul laser fiber were used.
RESULTS
Stones were completely cleared in 113 cases among 116 cases. Stone-free rates according to stone position were 97.6% in the lower ureter, 100% in the mid ureter and 90.9% in the upper ureter. Stone-free rates according to stone size were 100%, 100% and 85.7% in the cases of which diameter is below 10mm, between 10mm and 15mm and above 15mm respectively. Fragmentation was incomplete in 3 cases, so ESWL was performed in 2 cases and repeated procedure in on case. Ureteral perforation was developed in 1 case.
CONCLUSIONS
The Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy was highly effective and safe in managing ureteral calculi irrespective of their location.

Keyword

Ureteral calculi; Lithotripsy; Holmium

MeSH Terms

Calculi
Holmium
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy, Laser
Ureter*
Ureteral Calculi*
Holmium