CLINICAL ASSESSMENT OF ENDOSCOPIC HOLMIUM: YAG LASER LITHOTRIPSY FOR URETERAL AND BLADDER STONES. INITIAL EXPERIENCE AT A SINGLE CENTER IN GOSTIVAR
Ylber ADEMI, Afrim SALIU, Majlinda ADEMI
Abstract
Background: Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy has become the preferred modality for fragmented management of ureteral and bladder calculi due to its safety, applicability, and high stone-free rates. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of endoscopic Holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy for ureteral and bladder calculi in a single-center study.
Objective: To evaluate clinical outcomes of endoscopic Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in patients treated for bladder and ureteral stones at a single center at the General hospital in Gostivar.
Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted including 42 patients treated between January 2023 and December 2024 at the General Hospital “Ferid Murad” in Gostivar. Demographic characteristics, stone size, location, J-J stent placement, operative time, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed.
Results: The mean age was 53.4 years, with 66.7% males and 33.3% females. Mean stone size was 11.3 mm. Distal ureteral stones were the most common (57.1%), followed by bladder (21.4%), proximal ureter (14.3%), and mid-ureter (7.2%). Stone-free rate was 95.2% (40/42). J-J stent placement was performed in 52.4% (22) of patients. Proximal migration occurred in 2 cases (4.8%). No major complications were observed.
Conclusion: Endoscopic Ho:YAG lithotripsy is a highly effective and safe technique with low complication rates, making it suitable for ureteral and bladder stones. High stone-free rates and minimal morbidity support its adoption as a standard treatment option.
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