Pulverize kidney stones, do not crush them
Kidney stones can cause agonizing colic. At the University Hospital of Zurich, they can now be pulverized using a new type of thulium fibre laser. The device is the first of its kind in Switzerland and can be used for all types of stones and for splitting benign prostate enlargements.
Sudden, excruciating pain in the flank and abdomen are typical symptoms of renal colic, which can lead to kidney failure in severe cases. In most cases, the cause is kidney stones that are too large to pass through the ureter and bladder, leading to painful congestion and cramps, writes the University Hospital Zurich. Laser technology has also been used for years to treat acute kidney stone problems and as a preventative measure for kidney stones that are detected early, in order to break the troublemakers into small pieces that can then be excreted. Holmium:YAG lasers have been used for this purpose for many years. The Department of Urology at the University Hospital Zurich is now the first clinic to be able to use the latest generation of equipment to break up kidney stones and all other types of stone. This is made possible by a thulium fiber laser.
Tissue is protected
Kidney, gall and bladder stones have a complex microcrystalline structure with water and protein inclusions, which must be taken into account during laser treatment in order to achieve an optimal result. "The thulium fiber laser is based on a completely new technology. It allows us to treat the stones in a more targeted and finer way than was previously possible with the holmium:YAG laser," says Etienne Xavier Keller, senior physician at the Department of Urology, summarizing the benefits for patients. "The surrounding tissue is spared and the treatment takes less time." For kidney stone patients, this is certainly the most noticeable and welcome advance. The use of the thulium fiber laser also makes it possible to use thinner and more flexible fibers than with the Holium:YAG laser. This means that finer and more flexible instruments can be used. This also provides a better view of the target site, which contributes to safety and precision during the operation. Another plus: the extraordinary range of adjustment options also allows the thulium fiber laser to be used to treat benign prostate enlargements, writes the University Hospital Zurich.
Source: University Hospital Zurich
