Laser lithotripsy

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Laser lithotripsy is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney stone, ureteral stone or bladder stone.

[edit] Procedure

A urologist inserts a cystoscope or ureteroscope into the patient's urethra either directly or over a guide wire, and proceeds visually up the urinary tract to locate the target kidney or bladder stone. Once the stone is located, a thin fiberoptic is introduced into the working channel of the endoscope and advanced until it comes into contact with the stone. Light from a holmium laser is directed through the fiberoptic and the stone disintegrates or fragments. The smaller fragments can be removed with a basket tool or left to flush out with normal urinary function. This procedure is done under anesthetic and is considered minimally invasive.