Is the holmium:YAG laser the best intracorporeal lithotripter for the ureter? A 3-year retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To study the efficiency and safety of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for ureteral stones.


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.
Gupta
Pawan Kumar
PK
R.P. Stone Clinic (P) Ltd., Panipat, India. rpstone@sify.com
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017602:Lithotripsy, Laser; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014514:Ureteral Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D018666:Ureteroscopy