Laser lithotripsy

Overview

Laser lithotripsy is a medical procedure that uses a laser to break down stones in the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), and urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). This procedure is typically performed by a urologist during a ureteroscopy. In this process, the urologist inserts a flexible laser fiber through a scope—a long tube equipped with a camera—into the urinary tract to fragment the stones. The resulting stone fragments are then removed using a small basket or other instruments. Notably, this method does not require any incisions in the skin.

In certain cases, lasers are also used to break up stones during a percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a procedure in which kidney stones are extracted through an incision in the back.

Risks

Following laser lithotripsy, it’s typical to have:

• Fatigue and nausea right away following anesthesia.
• Pain.
• Urination problems.
• Hematuria or having blood in urine.

Among the side effects of laser lithotripsy are:

• Ureter injury.
• Pieces of stone obstructing your urinary tract.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI).

Before the procedure

You will receive instructions from your doctor on how to get ready for laser lithotripsy. You can lower your chance of complications by carefully adhering to their instructions. Prior to laser lithotripsy, your doctor can request that you:

• Fast the night before the surgery or for eight hours thereafter without eating anything.
• Be sure to disclose to your doctor all of the medications you use, including herbal and Over-The-Counter (OTC) supplements.
• A few drugs should be stopped before to the operation.
• After the procedure, ask someone to drive you home.

A doctor may need to insert a stent to enlarge your ureter during a scheduled lithotripsy, in which case the treatment should be rescheduled for two to three weeks later.

During the procedure

When doing ureteroscopy-assisted laser lithotripsy, a doctor will:

• Administer general anesthetic to ensure your unconsciousness throughout the process.
• Place a scope within your urethra.
• Thread a fiber with a laser tip through the scope.
• Use the laser to shatter the stone.
• Gather the stone fragments into a basket.
• Inserta temporary tube (ureteral stent) that lets urine and tiny stone fragments exit your body. The stent will be taken out by your physician at a later time, typically days or weeks later.
• Take away the scope.

Typically, laser lithotripsy takes between one and two hours.

After the procedure

After laser lithotripsy, you will be monitored by doctors until it is safe for you to return home. You will need someone to drive you home. Your doctor may prescribe painkillers, medication to relieve stent discomfort, and a short course of antibiotics.

Outcome

Most individuals can resume their regular activities about one week after laser lithotripsy. If you have a stent in place, some physical activities might cause discomfort or blood in your urine. Consult your doctor to understand what to expect.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms like fever, persistent burning during urination, or noticeable blood in your urine or pink-tinged urine lasting beyond two to three days.