Laser Lithotripsy of Gallstone by Means of a Pulsed Neodymium-YAG Laser - In Vitro and Animal Experiments

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Abstract
Using a flashlamp pulsed Nd: YAG laser it is possible to destroy gallstones within a few seconds (median: 4 sec for stones < 1.5 cc; 9.5 sec > 1.5 cc). In in vitro and animal studies it was shown that the median energy needed for stone destruction varies between 32 Joule for stones < 1.5 cc and 80 Joules for stones > 1.5 cc. A 0.2 mm thick, flexible glass fibre makes possible retrograde laser lithotripsy by conventional endoscopes. Using a suitable technique the danger of thermal damage to tissue is small.