Laser lithotripsy is a laser ablation surgical procedure of a kidney stone, ureteral stone or bladder stone done under anesthesia whereby a urologist inserts a cystoscope or ureteroscope into a patient's urethra either directly or over a guide wire, and proceeds visually up the urinary tract to acquire the target kidney or bladder stone visually. A holmium laser is considered state-of-the-art for this procedure. Once the stone is visualized, a small quartz laser fiber is introduced into the working channel of the endoscope and advanced until it comes into contact with the stone. The laser power is applied and the stone is vaporized or fragmented. The smaller fragments can be removed with a basket tool or left to flush out with normal urinary function. It is considered minimally invasive surgery. The advantages are lower morbidity, and rapid return to work.

See also

• Lithotriptor

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