What Is Laser Lithotripsy?

Urolithiasis, or kidney stones, is a painful condition in which crystals separate from the urine and form a hard mass in the urinary tract. Most kidney stones can be treated at home with pain medication and plenty of water. However, large stones or those that cause severe pain, infection, bleeding or damage to the kidneys may need further treatment with a procedure, such as laser lithotripsy. A doctor can diagnose the size and severity of kidney stones to determine the need for laser lithotripsy.

Procedure Description

• During laser lithotripsy, an endoscope, or tube, is inserted through a patient's urinary tract until the tip of the endoscope comes into contact with the affected kidney. The endoscope contains a fiber that emits laser energy, which breaks kidney stones into small fragments so they can be passed out in the urine. General anesthesia is used during laser lithotripsy to ensure the patient is asleep and feels no pain.

Before the Procedure

• The patient should inform his doctor of all medications and supplements he is taking, as well as any medical conditions and allergies he is aware of. The doctor will inform the patient of any dietary restrictions, such as when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure, and will provide instructions on taking regular medications before the procedure. Patients may be instructed to stop taking medications and supplements which impair blood-clotting a few days before a lithotripsy procedure. Patients may also be prescribed antibiotics before the procedure to lower the risk of infection.

After the Procedure

• After holmium laser lithotripsy patients typically stay in a recovery area for approximately two hours before being released to home care. The patient will need someone to drive him home after the procedure and will require a minimum of one to two days of rest before returning to normal activities. Patients may be given antibiotics to prevent infection and mild pain medications or anti-inflammatory drugs to manage discomfort after the surgery. Patients are also instructed to drink plenty of water for up to eight weeks after treatment to assist any remaining stone fragments to pass from the kidneys, according to Your Urology Health.com. The doctor will also schedule a follow-up appointment and testing to ensure kidney stones have been removed.

Risks and Complications

• Holmium laser lithotripsy has a high rate of success, but a few risks exist, including bleeding around the kidney or fragments of the stone being left in the body. If these issues occur, your doctor may prescribe further treatment, such as a blood transfusion or placement of a tube or stent in the kidney to ensure proper urine drainage until the kidney stone fragments have passed out of the body.