Holmium lasers offer several advantages when used in Ureteroscopy (URS), a minimally invasive procedure to treat kidney stones and other urinary tract conditions. Some of these advantages include:
- Precise Stone Fragmentation: Holmium lasers produce high-energy pulses of light that can efficiently fragment kidney stones into smaller pieces. This precision allows for thorough stone fragmentation, even with complex or large stones, facilitating their removal through the urinary tract.
- Versatility: Holmium lasers can be used with various types of fibers, including flexible and rigid fibers, enabling their use in both flexible and rigid URS procedures. This versatility allows urologists to address different types and sizes of stones with the same laser system.
- Minimal Tissue Damage: Holmium lasers have a shallow penetration depth in tissue, which means they primarily target the stone and minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This property reduces the risk of complications and promotes faster healing after the procedure.
- Hemostatic Effect: Holmium lasers have a hemostatic effect, meaning they can effectively coagulate blood vessels during the procedure, reducing bleeding and improving visibility for the surgeon. This feature enhances safety and efficiency during stone removal.
- Reduced Operating Time: The precise and efficient stone fragmentation capabilities of holmium lasers can lead to shorter operating times during URS procedures. This not only benefits patients by reducing anesthesia and procedural time but also increases the throughput of the surgical facility.
- Compatibility with Visualization Systems: Holmium lasers are compatible with various visualization systems used in URS, such as digital ureteroscopes and fluoroscopy. This compatibility ensures optimal visualization of the urinary tract during the procedure, enhancing the surgeon's ability to navigate and treat the condition effectively.
Overall, the advantages of holmium lasers in URS contribute to improved outcomes, reduced complications, and enhanced patient satisfaction compared to traditional surgical methods.