Safety and efficacy of the Alexandrite laser for the treatment of renal and ureteral calculi.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the safety and efficacy of the Alexandrite laser for intracorporeal lithotripsy of renal and ureteral stones in conjunction with ureterorenoscopy or percutaneous nephrostolithotomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 137 patients with 169 calculi in 143 renoureteral units who were treated with the Alexandrite laser via a retrograde (91.5%) or antegrade (8.5%) endoscopic approach. RESULTS: Adequate intraoperative fragmentation of the stone was observed in 88.8% of the cases. No intraoperative complications were attributable to the laser. At a mean follow-up of 34 days, the overall stone-free rate was 74.4%. The stone-free rate for ureteral stones (n = 115) was 80%, whereas the stone-free rate for renal stones (n = 22) was only 44%. In the best subgroup of ureteral stones (10 mm or less in the distal ureter), the stone-free rate was 97.4%. CONCLUSIONS: The Alexandrite laser is a safe modality for intracorporeal lithotripsy and is highly effective for ureteral stones less than 10 mm in size.

Duke Scholars

Author Scott Michael Sech Urology

Author Glenn Michael Preminger Urology