Introduction and Objectives
Using conventional systems for stone destruction such as Lithotripters, Ho:YAG lasers and alike is proven to have significant disadvantages regarding efficacy and intra-operative complications. Regarding lasers, in particular the negative effect of induced energy on sensitive material such as metal baskets or catheters are to be mentioned. Our aim was to demonstrate the first effective and flexible method of stone destruction without such side effects in the OR.
Material and Methods
This study included a total of 10 patients that have undergone treatment of stones in kidney, bladder and ureter. For intraoperative fixation of the stones, regular metal baskets were used. In two cases, the destruction of stones sticking to a catheter was required. Depending on the stone consistency, the multi-disciplinary laser DIOLAS LFD 3000 was switched between a set of programs for effectively destroying the targeted material.
Results
Highly interesting results were achieved in particular using a newly developed low-energy treatment program that has proven to induce no negative effect on sensitive material such as metal baskets or catheters. Even a direct contact with aforementioned elements did not have destructive impact. Still, the targeted stones were destroyed successfully.
Conclusions
The new treatment method enabled by the laser DIOLAS LFD 3000 opens up a whole range of future improvements in the destruction of stones. Further results will be published in the following months.
Article info
Identification
Copyright
© 2009 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
