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Holmium:YAG laser treatment of ureteral calculi: a 5-year experience

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Abstract

The purpose of this study was to provide an account of the 5-year experience we have gained using holmium:yttrium–aluminium–garnet (Ho:YAG) lasertripsy in the treatment of ureteral stones. One-hundred thirty-seven transurethral ureterolithotripsies were performed in 131 patients. A Ho:YAG laser device, fibres with diameters of 360 and 550 μm, a video camera as well as semi-rigid and flexible ureterorenoscopes were used. Results showed that the direct success rates—which meant stone-free ureters on the first post-operative day—in the upper, middle and lower ureters were 84.6, 88.7 and 94.8%, respectively. The final success rates—which meant stone-free ureters 4 weeks after the operation without a second intervention—were 84.6, 96.7 and 96.7%, respectively. The pulsatile Ho:YAG laser beam fragmented all kinds of stones easily. No ureteral stricture or reflux was identified during the follow-up period. The advantages of Ho lasertripsy outweighed its disadvantages. Based on our experience, the Ho:YAG laser is one of the most effective and safest energy sources in the treatment of ureteral calculi.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Urology, Medical and Health Science Center, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei körút 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary

    A. Farkas, L. Lőrincz, M. A. Salah, T. Flaskó, A. Varga & Cs. Tóth

  2. Department of Urology, St. Lasarus Hospital of Nógrád County, Füleki út 64, 3100, Salgótarján, Hungary

    L. Péteri

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  1. A. Farkas
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  2. L. Péteri
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  3. L. Lőrincz
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  4. M. A. Salah
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  5. T. Flaskó
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  6. A. Varga
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  7. Cs. Tóth
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Correspondence to A. Farkas.

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Farkas, A., Péteri, L., Lőrincz, L. et al. Holmium:YAG laser treatment of ureteral calculi: a 5-year experience. Lasers Med Sci 21, 170–174 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-006-0392-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-006-0392-z

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