HOLMIUM: YAG LITHOTRIPSY YIELDS SMALLER FRAGMENTS THAN LITHOCLAST, PULSED DYE LASER OR ELECTROHYDRAULIC LITHOTRIPSY

Abstract

Holmium:YAG yields smaller fragments compared to electrohydraulic lithotripsy, mechanical lithotripsy or pulsed dye lasers. These findings imply that fragments from holmium:YAG lithotripsy are more likely to pass without problem compared to the other lithotrites. Furthermore, the significant difference in fragment size adds evidence that holmium:YAG lithotripsy involves vaporization.