Published in:
01-12-2020 | Laser | Invited Review
Thulium-fiber laser for lithotripsy: first clinical experience in percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Published in: World Journal of Urology | Issue 12/2020
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Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thulium-fiber laser (TFL) in laser lithotripsy during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).
Methods
Patients with stones < 30 mm were prospectively recruited to undergo PCNL using TFL “FiberLase” (NTO IRE-Polus, Russia). Stone size, stone density, operative time, and “laser on” time (LOT) were recorded. Study included only cases managed with fragmentation. Stone-free rate and residual fragments were determined on postoperative computer tomography. Complications were classified using the Clavien–Dindo grade. Stone retropulsion and endoscopic visibility were assessed based on surgeons’ feedback using a questionnaire.
Results
A total of 120 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 52 (± 1.8) years; of these 77 (56%) were males. Mean stone size was 12.5 (± 8.8) mm with a mean density of 1019 (± 375) HU. Mean operative time was 23.4 (± 17.9) min and mean LOT was 5.0 (± 5.7) min. Most used settings were of 0.8 J/25–30 W/31–38 Hz (fragmentation). The mean total energy for stone ablation was 3.6 (± 4.3) kJ. Overall stone-free rate was 85%. The overall complication rate was 17%. Surgeons reported stone retropulsion that interfered with surgery in 2 (1.7%) cases insignificant retropulsion was noted in 16 (10.8%) cases. Poor visualization was reported in three (2.5%) cases and minor difficulties with visibility in four (3.3%) cases.
Conclusions
TFL is a safe and effective modality for lithotripsy during PCNL and results in minimal retropulsion.