The introduction of the Ho:YAG laser 3 decades ago revolutionized the endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis. Since then, a variety of innovations have continued to evolve these devices, including the development of high-power lasers capable of high-frequency lithotripsy. The clinical utility of high-frequency lithotripsy, however, has not necessarily lived up to the potential suggested by in vitro studies. A review of the relevant literature, confirming strong similarities between the outcomes associated with high and lower power laser lithotripsy, follows.
Keywords: Holmium laser; Laser lithotripsy; Nephrolithiasis; Technology.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.