title: Holmium laser percutaneous nephrolithotomy using a unique suction device.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Most percutaneous nephrolithotomies are performed with electrohydraulic, ballistic, or ultrasonic lithotripsy, with holmium laser use reserved for ureteroscopy or ureterorenoscopy. We evaluated the feasibility of holmium laser use in percutaneous nephrolithotomy with the assistance of a unique suction device.
  
  
  METHODS
  The charts of 71 consecutive patients undergoing 90 percutaneous procedures were reviewed. A unique suction device and the holmium laser were used in nearly half the patients. The average stone burden was 3.25 cm. Use of holmium laser, energy settings, stone burden, operative time, complications, and stone-free rate were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average operative time was 167 minutes with a complication rate of 14%. A stone-free rate of 83% was achieved with the laser.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With the assistance of a unique suction device, the holmium laser can, in the appropriate situation, be an efficient and successful lithotrite with percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Cuellar
authors.forename: Timothy D
authors.initials: TD
authors.lastname: Averch
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D009403:Nephrostomy, Percutaneous; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation