Lithotripsy with the alexandrite laser: our initial 100 clinical cases

Abstract

The alexandrite laser system has proven to be an effective and safe method of treating ureteral stones. When the electromagnetic energy of a laser light pulse is selectively absorbed by the stone, a plasma forms at the surface. This plasma, which is composed of ions and electrons, continues to absorb laser energy, reaching very high pressure and generating a shock wave that fragments the stone. The degree of stone fragmentation is directly related to the composition and crystal lattice structure of the calculus. 112 calculi have been treated, and laser lithotripsy was successful in 87.5%. 6% of the stones were inadvertently flushed back into the kidney. No patient required an open ureterolithotomy. Guidance of the laser fiber onto the stone was performed by rigid ureteroscopy. There were no troublesome complications, and in a 3-month follow-up, no sequelae were reported.