[The holmium-YAG laser: a suitable instrument for stone fragmentation in choledocholithiasis. The assessment of the results of its use under babyscopic control].
OBJECTIVE
Stone fragmentation is required in ca. 5% of patients with choledocholithiasis to free the patients of stones. Several extra- and intracorporal methods of stone fragmentation (lithotripsy) have been available. We here report our experience with the recently available holmium-YAG laser, used under babyscopic monitoring.


METHODS
Between September 1997 and May 1998 lithotripsy was performed by holmium-YAG laser under monitoring in 20 patients with choledocholithiasis in whom conventional methods had failed to achieve stone fragmentation.


RESULTS
All stones were cleared in 19 of the 20 patients. A second session was necessary in four patients, three sessions in one. There was no serious complication and no death during a 30-day follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Holmium-YAG laser lithotripsy under babyscopic monitoring has been shown to be a suitable method in patients with choledocholithiasis in whom previous treatment has failed it is complementary to current methods of stone fragmentation.
Weickert
U
U
Medizinische Klinik A, Klinikum Wuppertal GmbH, Kliniken der Universität Witten/Herdecke.
Mühlen
E
E
Janssen
J
J
Johanns
W
W
Greiner
L
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002760:Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde / Q000295:instrumentation; D003135:Common Bile Duct / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D042882:Gallstones / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged