Arterial pseudoaneurysm: a rare complication following laser lithotripsy-case series and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a comprehensive narrative review that will examine the risk factors and treatment outcomes of arterial pseudoaneurysm following laser flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS). METHODS: A retrospective case series and a review of literature was performed. Clinical records from three patients treated for postoperative arterial pseudoaneurysm from January of 2021 to November 2023 were identified. A comprehensive literature review was also performed. The MEDLINE and Scopus databases were searched. The analysis was made by a narrative synthesis. RESULTS: Three cases of postoperative arterial pseudoaneurysm were included, one from our center, one from Dubai, UAE, and one from Barcelona. The literature review identified six case reports, two after endocorporeal laser lithotripsy with thulium fiber laser (TFL) and four with Ho:YAG laser. All cases, from our series and literature review, presented with macroscopic hematuria and used high-power laser settings. All cases were treated by selective embolization. CONCLUSION: Ho:YAG or TFL lasers are both capable of causing arterial pseudoaneurysms following F-URS if high-power settings are used. Selective artery embolization continues to be the treatment of choice with good outcomes.

Utility of the modified 5-item frailty index as a predictor of postoperative febrile urinary tract infection in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the effect of the modified 5-item frailty index on perioperative complications and surgical outcomes in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones. METHODS: Patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones between 2019 and 2022 were reviewed retrospectively. Assessment was performed using the modified 5-item frailty index based on medical history (hypertension, diabetes, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) and functional status. Patients were categorized into the high (≥ 2) and low (≤ 1) modified 5-item frailty index groups based on the frailty score. We compared the perioperative complications and surgical outcomes between the two groups. RESULTS: Seventy-one (15.8%) and 393 (84.1%) of the 467 patients were classified into the high and low modified 5-item frailty index groups, respectively. The high modified 5-item frailty index group exhibited a significant association with increased febrile urinary tract infections compared to the low modified 5-item frailty index group [≥ 37.8 °C: 15 (20.3%) vs 13 (3.3%), p < 0.001; ≥ 38 °C: 9 (12.2%) vs 7 (1.8%), p < 0.001]. Surgical outcomes, including operative time and stone-free rate, did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The modified 5-item frailty index is valuable for predicting postoperative complications, particularly febrile urinary tract infections, after ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for upper urinary tract stones. This index allows for practical preoperative risk assessment in patients who underwent ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy versus laser lithotripsy in the treatment of post-SWL steinstrasse: a randomized comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of Holmium laser lithotripsy with that of extracorporeal shock lithotripsy (SWL) for post-SWL ureteral steinstrasse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2022 to July 2023, 36 patients with post-SWL ureteral steinstrasse were randomly divided into laser lithotripsy and SWL groups. Patients with pain, moderate to marked hydronephrosis, large leading stone fragments, and showing no spontaneous resolution within 3-4 weeks after medical expulsive therapy were included. Patients with sepsis were excluded. The success rate was the primary outcome. We compared the perioperative data between the groups. RESULTS: The success rate was higher in the ureteroscopy group than in the SWL group (p = 0.034). SWL was a significantly longer operation, and the fluoroscopy time was significantly longer in the SWL group than in the URS group (p = 0.027). Auxiliary procedures were more frequently performed in the SWL group than in the URS group (p = 0.02). JJ stents were inserted in 100% of patients in the URS group. Three patients (16.7%) underwent conversion to laser ureteroscopy after the second SWL session failed. No significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications was observed between the groups, but the incidence of postoperative LUT was high in the ureteroscopy group. The mean hospital stay was 30 h in the ureteroscopy group. SWL was performed without the need for hospital admission. CONCLUSION: Ureteroscopic laser lithotripsy for steinstrasse was safe and effective, with a higher success rate, shorter fluoroscopy time, and shorter recovery period than SWL.

Optimal parameter settings of thulium fiber laser for ureteral stone lithotripsy: a comparative study in two different testing environments.

This study aims to identify optimal parameters for using Thulium fiber lasers (TFL) in ureteral stone lithotripsy to ensure laser safety and maximize efficacy. Our goal is to improve the outcomes of single-use semi-rigid ureteroscopy for treating stones located in the proximal ureter. A clinically relevant thermal testing device was designed to investigate heating effects during TFL stone fragmentation. The device was utilized to identify safe power thresholds for TFL at various irrigation rates. Three other devices were used to assess varying pulse energy effects on stone fragmentation efficiency, dusting, retropulsion, and depth of tissue vaporization. Comparative experiments in fresh porcine renal units were performed to validate the efficacy and safety of optimal TFL parameters for semi-rigid ureteroscopy in proximal ureteral stone procedures. Our study found that the improved device generated a higher thermal effect. Furthermore, the safe power threshold for laser lithotripsy increased as the irrigation rate was raised. At an irrigation rate of 40 ml/min, it is safe to use an average power of less than 30 watts. Although increasing pulse energy has a progressively lower effect on fragmentation and dust removal efficiency, it did lead to a linear increase in stone displacement and tissue vaporization depth. Thermal testing showed 20 W (53.87 ± 2.67 °C) indicating potential urothelial damage. In our study of laser lithotripsy for proximal ureteral stones, the group treated with 0.3 J pulses had several advantages compared to the 0.8 J group: Fewer large fragments (> 4 mm): 0 vs. 1.67 fragments (1-2.25), p = 0.002, a lower number of collateral tissue injuries: 0.50 (0-1.25) vs. 2.67 (2-4), p = 0.011, and lower stone retropulsion grading: 0.83 (0.75-1) vs. 1.67 (1-2), p = 0.046. There was no significant difference in operating time between the groups (443.33 ± 78.30 s vs. 463.17 ± 75.15 s, p = 0.664). These findings suggest that TFL irradiation generates a greater thermal effect compared to non-irradiated stones. Furthermore, the thermal effect during laser lithotripsy is influenced by both power and irrigation flow rate. Our study suggests that using a power below 15 W with an irrigation flow rate of 20 ml/min is safe. Moreover, a pulse energy of 0.3 J appears to be optimal for achieving the best overall stone fragmentation effect.

What is the definition of stone dust and how does it compare with clinically insignificant residual fragments? A comprehensive review.

PURPOSE: During endoscopic stone surgery, Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG) and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) technologies allow to pulverize urinary stones into fine particles, ie DUST. Yet, currently there is no consensus on the exact definition of DUST. This review aimed to define stone DUST and Clinically Insignificant Residual Fragments (CIRF). METHODS: Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane databases were searched for both in vitro and in vivo articles relating to DUST and CIRF definitions, in November 2023, using keyword combinations: "dust", "stones", "urinary calculi", "urolithiasis", "residual fragments", "dusting", "fragments", "lasers" and "clinical insignificant residual fragments". RESULTS: DUST relates to the fine pulverization of urinary stones, defined in vitro as particles spontaneously floating with a sedimentation duration ≥ 2 sec and suited for aspiration through a 3.6Fr-working channel (WC) of a flexible ureteroscope (FURS). Generally, an upper size limit of 250 µm seems to agree with the definition of DUST. Ho:YAG with and without "Moses Technology", TFL and the recent pulsed-Thulium:YAG (pTm:YAG) can produce DUST, but no perioperative technology can currently measure DUST size. The TFL and pTm:YAG achieve better dusting compared to Ho:YAG. CIRF relates to residual fragments (RF) that are not associated with imminent stone-related events: loin pain, acute renal colic, medical or interventional retreatment. CIRF size definition has decreased from older studies based on Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL) (≤ 4 mm) to more recent studies based on FURS (≤ 2 mm) and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy(PCNL) (≤ 4 mm). RF ≤ 2 mm are associated with lower stone recurrence, regrowth and clinical events rates. While CIRF should be evaluated postoperatively using Non-Contrast Computed Tomography(NCCT), there is no consensus on the best diagnostic modality to assess the presence and quantity of DUST. CONCLUSION: DUST and CIRF refer to independent entities. DUST is defined in vitro by a stone particle size criteria of 250 µm, translating clinically as particles able to be fully aspirated through a 3.6Fr-WC without blockage. CIRF relates to ≤ 2 RF on postoperative NCCT.

Effects of Thermal Insulation on Recovery and Comfort of Patients Undergoing Holmium Laser Lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND Patients with urolithiasis often undergo transurethral ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy, a procedure that can be affected by perioperative thermal management. This study examines the impact of compound thermal insulation management on patient recovery and comfort during transurethral ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this study, 551 patients who underwent transurethral ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy from April 2019 to December 2022 were randomly assigned to either an observation group (n=276) or control group (n=275). Both groups received routine surgical care, with the observation group additionally receiving compound thermal insulation management. We recorded and compared perioperative body temperature changes, anesthetic resuscitation indicators (bispectral index recovery time, extubation time, fully awake time, Postanesthesia Care Unit retention time), comfort level (General Comfort Questionnaire), and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile). We also compared the incidence of complications. RESULTS There was no significant difference in body temperature between groups at the start surgery. However, the observation group showed significantly higher temperatures during and at the end of surgery. Anesthetic resuscitation indicators were significantly better in the observation group. Both groups showed improved comfort and quality of life after surgery, with more significant improvements in the observation group. The observation group also had a lower incidence of complications, such as hypothermia and rigor. CONCLUSIONS Compound thermal insulation management during transurethral ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy improved perioperative temperature maintenance, accelerated postoperative recovery, reduced complication rates, and enhanced patient comfort and quality of life.

[Thulium or holmium laser or both: where will the journey take us?] / Thulium oder Holmium-Laser oder beides: wo geht die Reise hin?

The Holmium:YAG laser has been the gold standard for laser lithotripsy over the past three decades and, since the late 1990s, also for prostate enucleation. Pulsed thulium fibre lasers (TFL) demonstrated their efficacy in in-vitro experiments and were introduced to the market a few years ago. Initial clinical results for TFL in lithotripsy and enucleation are very promising. In addition to TFL, a pulsed Thulium:YAG solid-state laser has been introduced, but clinical data for this laser are currently limited. This article aims to review the key technological differences between Ho:YAG lasers and pulsed thulium lasers and compare/discuss the initial clinical results for stone lithotripsy and laser enucleation.In-vitro studies have demonstrated the technical superiority of TFL compared with Ho:YAG lasers. However, as TFL is still a new technology, only limited studies are available to date, and optimal settings for lithotripsy have not been established. For enucleation, the differences of TFL compared with a high-power Ho:YAG laser seem to be clinically irrelevant. Initial studies on pulsed Tm:YAG lasers show good results, but there continues to be a lack of comparative studies.Based on the current literature, pulsed thulium lasers have the potential of being an alternative to Ho:YAG lasers. However, further studies are necessary to determine the optimal laser technology for enucleation and lithotripsy of urinary stones, considering all parameters, including efficacy, safety, and cost.

First prospective clinical assessment of the ILY® robotic flexible ureteroscopy platform.

PURPOSE: To present the initial prospective clinical assessment of the ILY® robotic ureteroscopy manipulator platform, focusing on its safety and effectiveness. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data gathered from 31 kidney units which underwent elective robotic flexible ureteroscopy (FURS) for renal stone management utilizing the ILY® robotic system. Patient demographics, stone characteristics, surgical durations, perioperative and post-operative complications, and follow-up parameters were collected. Our primary outcome was evaluating the efficacy and safety of the ILY® robotic ureteroscopy for treating kidney stones. Therefore, we analyzed complication rates, surgical durations, and the stone-free rate during follow-up. RESULTS: Our cohort consisted of 29 patients, presenting with 45 stones with a median volume of 736.22 mm3. The median operation time was 85 min, accompanied by 3 min for robot draping, 3.5 min for robot docking, 48 min of console operation, and lasing time of 36.75 min. Post operative stay for all patients was 1 day, while complications were observed in 9.68% of cases. Notably, all complications were classified as CVD (Clavien-Dindo) class 1 due to pain requiring emergency department visit. The stone-free rate achieved was 93.55%, and none of the patient required reoperation for the treated stone. CONCLUSION: In the first prospective clinical experience of the ILY® robotic FURS, we demonstrated its efficacy and safety. To further investigate its clinical practical value, additional investigations are warranted, including direct comparative analyses with manual flexible ureteroscopy techniques.

A historical comparison of thulium fiber laser systems for stone lithotripsy: navigating toward safe and effective parameters.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Medical device companies have introduced new TFL machines, including Soltive (Olympus, Japan), Fiber Dust (Quanta System, Italy), and TFLDrive (Coloplast, France). The primary objective of this study is to compare our initial clinical experiences with TFL using those devices. Through this historical comparison of Thulium Fiber Laser systems for stone lithotripsy, we aim to advance our understanding and approach toward achieving safe and effective TFL parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for this comparative analysis were extracted from three distinct prospective series that were previously published, outlining our initial clinical experience with the Soltive (Olympus, Japan), FiberDust laser (Quanta System, Italy), and TFLDrive laser (Coloplast, France). Parameters such as stone size, stone density, laser-on time (LOT), and laser settings were meticulously recorded. Additionally, we assessed critical variables such as ablation speed (expressed in mm3/s) and Joules/mm3 for each lithotripsy procedure. RESULTS: A total of 149 patients were enrolled in this study. Among them, 120 patients were subjected to analysis concerning renal stones. Statistically significant differences were observed in the median (IQR) stone volume: 650 (127-6027) mm3 for TFLDrive, 1800 (682.8-2760) mm3 for Soltive, and 1125 (294-4000) mm3 for FiberDust (p: 0.007); while there were no differences regarding stone density among the groups. Significant variations were identified in median (IQR) pulse energy, frequency, and total power. The Soltive group exhibited lower energy levels (0.3 J vs. 0.6 J, p: 0.002) but significantly higher pulse frequency (100 Hz vs. 17.5 Hz, p: 0.003) and total power (24 W vs. 11W, p: 0.001) compared to the other groups. Laser-on time showed no substantial differences across all three groups. Additionally, a statistically significant difference was observed in median J/mm3, with the TFLDrive group using higher values (24 J/mm3, p: 0.001), while the Soltive group demonstrated a higher median ablation speed of 1.16 mm3/s (p: 0.001). The overall complication rate remained low for all groups, with comparable stone-free rates. CONCLUSION: By reducing pulsed frequency, we improved laser efficiency, but smaller volumes lead to decreased efficiency due to increased retropulsion and fragment movement. Further studies are needed to identify and establish the appropriate laser settings for this new technology.

Safety and Efficacy of "Dusting and Pop-Dusting" with High-Power Laser for Treatment of Large Pediatric Stones with Ureteroscopy and Lasertripsy: Prospective Outcomes from a University Teaching Hospital.

Introduction: The wide use of high-power laser has changed the landscape of ureteroscopy and lasertripsy (URSL). We wanted to look at the role and outcomes of high-power holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser for URSL in pediatric stone disease. Methods: A prospective analysis of consecutive pediatric patients treated with "Dusting and Pop-dusting" using a high-power laser was done between January 2016 and March 2022. The project was registered with our audit committee. Data were analyzed for patient demographics, stone characteristics, operative details, procedural outcomes, and complications. Stone-free rate (SFR) was defined as fragments ≤2 mm on postoperative ultrasound imaging 2-3 months after the procedure. Results: A total of 35 patients underwent 43 procedures (1.2 procedure/patient) during the study period with a mean age of 9.4 years (range 1-16 years) and a male:female ratio of 13:22. The stone location was in the kidney in 32 (91.4%) patients of which 8 were in multiple renal locations. The mean stone size was 18 mm (range 10-39 mm), with the pre- and post-stent rates of 37% and 56%, respectively. An access sheath was used in 19 (44%) procedures. The overall SFR on ultrasound scan was 94% (n = 33) with no procedural complications noted in our series and a mean length of stay of 0.9 days. Conclusion: Pediatric URSL using a high-power laser achieves a high SFR even for large and multiple renal stones with no complications noted in our prospective series. Parents must, however, be counseled about the need for staged procedures, which might be needed for large stones.

Comparison of Thulium Fiber Laser versus Holmium laser in ureteroscopic lithotripsy: a Meta-analysis and systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of thulium fiber laser (TFL) to holmium: YAG (Ho: YAG) laser in ureteroscopic lithotripsy for urolithiasis. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CENTRAL, SinoMed, CNKI database, VIP and Wanfang Database were systematically searched for all relevant clinical trials until September 2023. References were explored to identify the relevant articles. Meta-analysis was carried out for the retrieved studies using RevMan5.4.1 software, and the risk ratio, mean difference and 95% confidence interval were expressed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. The main outcomes of this meta-analysis were stone-free rate (SFR), perioperative outcomes and intraoperative or postoperative complications. RESULTS: Thirteen studies, including 1394 patients, were included. According to the results of pooled analysis, TFL was associated with significantly higher stone-free rate (SFR) [0.52, 95% CI (0.32, 0.85), P = 0.009], shorter operation time [-5.47, 95% CI (-8.86, -2.08), P = 0.002], and less stone migration [0.17, 95% CI (0.06, 0.50), P = 0.001]. However, there was no significant difference in terms of the laser time, duration of hospital stay, drop of hemoglobin level, total energy, postoperative ureteral stenting, the incidence of intraoperative complications or postoperative complications between TFL and Ho: YAGs. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study demonstrated several advantages of TFL in terms of higher SFR, shorter operative time and less stone migration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol of this systematic review was listed in PROSPERO ( www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO ) (Protocol number: CRD42022362550).

Safety Parameters for the Use of Holmium:YAG Laser in the Treatment of Biliary Calculi: The Ex-Vivo Model.

Background and Objectives: While studies have demonstrated the efficacy of cholangioscopy-guided Holmium-Yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy for the treatment of refractory bile duct stones, data regarding the safety of the operating parameters for laser lithotripsy are lacking. The aim of this study was to determine safe, yet effective, energy settings for Ho:YAG laser in the ex-vivo model. Materials and Methods: This ex vivo experimental study utilized the Ho:YAG laser on porcine bile duct epithelium and human gallstones. Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was applied in different power settings from 8 to 15 Watts (W) to six explanted porcine bile ducts. Settings that appeared safe were then utilized to fragment seventy-three human gallstones. Results: The median bile duct perforation times with the Ho:YAG laser between 8-15 W were: >60 s (8 W); 23 s (9 W); 29 s (10 W); 27 s (12 W); 12 s (14 W); and 8 s (15 W). Statistically significant differences in the median perforation times were noted between 8 W vs. 15 W, 9 W vs. 15 W, 10 W vs. 15 W, and 12 W vs. 15 W (p < 0.05). When using a 365 µm Ho:YAG laser probe at 8-12 W, the fragmentation rates on various size stones were: 100% (<1.5 cm); 80-100% (1.6-2.0 cm) and 0-32% (>2.0 cm). Optimal fragmentation was seen utilizing 12 W with high energy (2.4 J) and low frequency (5 Hz) settings. Using a larger 550 µm probe at these settings resulted in 100% fragmentation of stones larger than 2 cm. Conclusions: The Ho:YAG laser appears to be safe and effective in the treatment of large bile duct stones when used between 8-12 W in 5 s bursts in an ex vivo model utilizing porcine bile ducts and human gallstones.

How much energy do we need to ablate 1 cubic millimeter of stone during Thulium Fiber Laser lithotripsy? An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Both Holmium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) can effectively treat all urinary stone types. This in vitro study evaluated the ablation volume per pulse (AVP) and required energy needed to ablate 1mm3 (RE, J/mm3) of various stone types at different laser settings with TFL. METHODS: 272-µm core-diameter laser fibers (Boston Scientific©) were connected to a 50 Watts TFL generator (IPG®). An experimental setup immerged human stones of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM), uric acid (UA), and cystine (CYS) with a single pulse lasing emission (0.5/0.8/1 J), in contact mode. Stones were dried out before three-dimensional scanning to measure AVP and deduce from the pulse energy (PE) and AVP the RE. A direct comparison with known Ho:YAG's AVP and RE was then carried out. RESULTS: AVP for COM stones was significantly greater than those for CYS stones and similar to UA stones (p = 0.02 and p = 0.06, respectively). If AVP increased with PE against COM and UA stones, AVP decreased against CYS stones. 1 J PE resulted in a threefold lower RE compared with other PE for COM stones. On the contrary, RE for CYS increased with PE, whereas PE did not had influence on RE for UA. TFL was associated with greater AVP for COM, but lower for UA and CYS stones compared to Ho:YAG laser. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study firstly describes the ablation volume per pulse and required energy to treat a cubic millimeter of three frequent human stone types, and suggest TFL could not be suited for cystine. Therefore, stone composition could be considered when choosing the laser source for lithotripsy.

Thulium Fiber Laser Versus Holmium:Yttrium Aluminum Garnet for Lithotripsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Thulium fiber laser (TFL) emerged as a competitor of holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser for the treatment of urinary stones. OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy between Ho:YAG and TFL for laser lithotripsy of renal and ureteral stones. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature search was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases to identify reports published until May 2023. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed to identify eligible studies. The primary outcome was to compare the stone-free rate (SFR) between Ho:YAG and TFL for laser lithotripsy. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Eleven studies met our inclusion criteria, and data from 1286 and 880 patients who underwent, respectively, Ho:YAG and TFL laser lithotripsy were reviewed. Most studies included ureteroscopy (URS) and retrograde intrarenal surgeries as procedures, two included percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and one included URS exclusively. Only two studies reported results in pediatric patients. TFL was associated with a higher SFR (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-3.20; p = 0.031) when no residual fragment is considered, but not when SFR refers to the presence of fragments <3 mm (OR 2.48, 95% CI: 0.98-6.29; p = 0.055) or when only Ho:YAG with MOSES is considered (p = 0.068). According to the stones' location, TFL was associated with higher SFRs than Ho:YAG for renal (OR 3.14, 95% CI: 1.69-5.86; p < 0.001) but not for ureteral (p = 0.8) stones. TFL was associated with a lower intraoperative complication rate (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.63; p < 0.001). No difference was found in major (p = 0.4) or overall (p = 0.4) complication rate, operative time (p = 0.051), and laser time (p = 0.9). CONCLUSIONS: TFL is a promising laser for the treatment of urinary stones with some advantages over Ho:YAG. Further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings and optimize the surgical settings. PATIENT SUMMARY: The use of thulium fiber laser rather than holmium:yttrium aluminum garnet permits to reach a higher stone-free rate in stones located in the kidney rather than in the ureter.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of urolithiasis: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training-Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (T.R.U.S.T.)-Group.

PURPOSE: To identify laser lithotripsy settings used by experts for specific clinical scenarios and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: After literature research to identify relevant questions, a survey was conducted and sent to laser experts. Participants were asked for preferred laser settings during specific clinical lithotripsy scenarios. Different settings were compared for the reported laser types, and common settings and preventive measures were identified. RESULTS: Twenty-six laser experts fully returned the survey. Holmium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) was the primary laser used (88%), followed by thulium fiber laser (TFL) (42%) and pulsed thulium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Tm:YAG) (23%). For most scenarios, we could not identify relevant differences among laser settings. However, the laser power was significantly different for middle-ureteral (p = 0.027), pelvic (p = 0.047), and lower pole stone (p = 0.018) lithotripsy. Fragmentation or a combined fragmentation with dusting was more common for Ho:YAG and pulsed Tm:YAG lasers, whereas dusting or a combination of dusting and fragmentation was more common for TFL lasers. Experts prefer long pulse modes for Ho:YAG lasers to short pulse modes for TFL lasers. Thermal injury due to temperature development during lithotripsy is seriously considered by experts, with preventive measures applied routinely. CONCLUSIONS: Laser settings do not vary significantly between commonly used lasers for lithotripsy. Lithotripsy techniques and settings mainly depend on the generated laser pulse's and generator settings' physical characteristics. Preventive measures such as maximum power limits, intermittent laser activation, and ureteral access sheaths are commonly used by experts to decrease thermal injury-caused complications.

Relocation of lower pole renal stones helps improve the stone-free rate during flexible ureteroscopy with a low complication rate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of relocating the lower pole stones to a favorable pole during flexible ureteroscopy with in situ lithotripsy for the treatment of 10-20 mm lower pole stone (LPS). METHODS: This study was a prospective analysis of patient outcomes who underwent an FURS procedure for the treatment of 10-20 mm lower pole renal stones from January 2020 to November 2022. The patients were randomized into a relocation group or in situ group. The LPSs were relocated into a calyx, during lithotripsy in the relocation group was performed, whereas the in situ group underwent FURS without relocation. All the procedures were performed by the same surgeon. The patients' demographic data, stone characteristics, perioperative parameters and outcomes, stone-free rate (SFR), complications, and overall costs were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 90 patients were enrolled and analyzed in this study (45 per group) with no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, stone size, number, laterality, composition, and density. The mean operation time, total energy consumption, postoperative stay, and complications were similar between the groups. Both groups had similar SFR at 1 day postoperative follow-up (p = 0.091), while the relocation group achieved significantly higher SFR 3 months later (97.8% vs 84.4%, p = 0.026). The relocation group also had a significantly higher WisQol score than the in situ group (126.98 vs 110.18, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A satisfactory SFR with a relatively low complication rate was achieved by the relocation technique during the FURS procedure.

Exploring optimal settings for safe and effective thulium fibre laser lithotripsy in a kidney model.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the optimal laser settings and treatment strategies for thulium fibre laser (TFL) lithotripsy, namely, those with the highest treatment efficiency, lowest thermal injury risk, and shortest procedure time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro kidney model was used to assess the efficacy of TFL lithotripsy in the upper calyx. Stone ablation experiments were performed on BegoStone phantoms at different combinations of pulse energy (EP ) and frequency (F) to determine the optimal settings. Temperature changes and thermal injury risks were monitored using embedded thermocouples. Experiments were also performed on calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) stones to validate the optimal settings. RESULTS: High EP /low F settings demonstrated superior treatment efficiency compared to low EP /high F settings using the same power. Specifically, 0.8 J/12 Hz was the optimal setting, resulting in a twofold increase in treatment efficiency, a 39% reduction in energy expenditure per unit of ablated stone mass, a 35% reduction in residual fragments, and a 36% reduction in total procedure time compared to the 0.2 J/50 Hz setting for COM stones. Thermal injury risk assessment indicated that 10 W power settings with high EP /low F combinations remained below the threshold for tissue injury, while higher power settings (>10 W) consistently exceeded the safety threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that high EP /low F settings, such as 0.8 J/12 Hz, are optimal for TFL lithotripsy in the treatment of COM stones. These settings demonstrated significantly improved treatment efficiency with reduced residual fragments compared to conventional settings while keeping the thermal dose below the injury threshold. This study highlights the importance of using the high EP /low F combination with low power settings, which maximizes treatment efficiency and minimizes potential thermal injury. Further studies are warranted to determine the optimal settings for TFL for treating kidney stones with different compositions.