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Laser Lithotripsy in Dnipro

Lithotripsy, or the fragmentation of solid calculi without large traumatic incisions, has been used in urology for quite some time. Various techniques have been developed for this purpose, and laser lithotripsy has demonstrated excellent effectiveness: it enables the fragmentation of kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethral stones using a powerful beam of light.

This procedure is well-studied and proven to be effective. It does not require incisions and is performed endoscopically. It can be conducted on an outpatient basis, eliminating the need for hospitalization. It helps remove stones of various compositions and is suitable for emergency cases. It is safe for people of different ages and health conditions.

Achieving the best results depends on the expertise of the doctors, who determine the individual parameters of the procedure, and on the modern equipment that allows the full potential of laser technology to be realized.

Laser Kidney Stone Fragmentation: Indications

Solid calculi in men, women, and children suffering from urolithiasis (kidney stone disease) can form in various locations: the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and even the urethra. Kidney and bladder stones develop due to certain pathological factors, while those in the ureters and urethra originate from the upper urinary tract. Laser lithotripsy can be used in all these cases.

Indications for laser stone removal in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract include:

High-density stones that are resistant to other lithotripsy techniques
Obesity in patients, making shock wave therapy ineffective
Anatomical anomalies of the kidneys
Stones located in the lower parts of the renal pelvis
Narrowing of the calyceal neck with a stone
Cases where shock wave lithotripsy has previously failed
Acute conditions where a stone blocks urine flow, posing a risk of hydronephrosis

Since the procedure follows an endoscopic approach, laser stone removal is also possible in cases where the kidney has descended or shifted from its normal position.

Methods of Laser Lithotripsy

Laser stone fragmentation is a method of contact lithotripsy: to perform the procedure, a specialized ureteropyeloscope must be brought directly to the stone. This is a thin instrument that can pass through the urethra and ureters to reach the stone. The working end of the instrument contains a light source, a video sensor, and a fiber optic cable.

The device is connected to a lithotripter – a laser impulse source – which emits powerful beams of coherent light according to a program set by the doctor. These impulses can come from holmium, thulium, or other types of lasers.

Modern lithotripters generate beams of up to 60 watts, which are sufficient for laser fragmentation of kidney stones and stones in other parts of the urinary system. The devices allow adjustments to impulse duration and power based on the specific case.

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Preparation for Laser Kidney Stone Fragmentation

To ensure successful treatment, doctors must be confident in every step they take. Therefore, a thorough examination of the patient precedes the procedure. It is essential to determine the stone’s location, size, number, and other characteristics. The diagnostic process is quick, even in cases of renal colic or urinary retention, and does not worsen the patient's condition.

Due to the safety of laser lithotripsy, the diagnostic requirements are minimal:

Ultrasound of the urinary system
X-ray examination of the abdominal cavity
Ascending or excretory urography
CT scan of the abdomen and lower urinary tract
Multichannel ECG
Additional tests as needed to assess the patient’s overall condition

Before the procedure, the doctor explains what laser lithotripsy is, how it works, and what to expect. Once the patient agrees to proceed, a consultation with an anesthesiologist is conducted.

How Laser Lithotripsy is Performed

The laser lithotripsy procedure is endoscopic, meaning no incisions or punctures are required. However, because the ureteropyeloscope must be inserted deeply, sedation or light anesthesia is needed.

The procedure follows these steps:

Sedation and mild general anesthesia are administered
The ureteropyeloscope is inserted through the urethra
The doctor navigates the instrument toward the stone using the video feed
The lithotripsy program is activated when the laser is positioned 2-3 mm from the stone
The stone is broken into smaller fragments
The doctor ensures there is no risk of sludge formation (clumping of debris)
The lithotripter is carefully removed after the procedure
The patient is transferred to a recovery room

With skilled doctors and advanced equipment, even dense stones can be crushed into 2-3 mm fragments, which are then naturally flushed out through urination.

The procedure takes up to 60 minutes, with an effectiveness rate of up to 98% (meaning minimal risk of early recurrence). These excellent results justify the cost of laser stone fragmentation in the kidneys or other parts of the urinary tract.

Advantages of Laser Lithotripsy at Helyos Clinic

The success of treatment depends on the quality of the laser equipment and the expertise of the doctor who programs the lithotripsy session. In addition to both of these key factors, Helyos Clinic offers:

Fast treatment – diagnostics and the procedure can be completed in one day
A highly experienced team of doctors who organize and perform laser lithotripsy
Advanced equipment – a modern lithotripter with all necessary operating modes
The possibility of removing multiple kidney stones in a single visit
A completely non-invasive approach – the procedure is performed endoscopically for both men and women
Medical supervision during the short recovery period (1–2 days), ensuring rapid recovery and return to normal activities
Maximum use of disposable instruments, with a reasonable cost for laser lithotripsy
Only evidence-based techniques that are approved for use in Ukraine

Contraindications for Laser Lithotripsy

At Helyos Clinic, we prioritize patient safety. During the consultation, the doctor will thoroughly assess the patient and order necessary tests to rule out contraindications.

The procedure cannot be performed in cases of:
The patient’s informed refusal of the proposed treatment
Anatomical obstacles to endoscopy (e.g., urethral or ureteral strictures)
Acute urinary tract infections (urethritis, cystitis, pyelonephritis, or acute prostatitis in men)
Severe blood clotting disorders
Critical health conditions due to heart disease, infections, or other serious illnesses

Recovery After Laser Kidney Stone Removal

When performed by a highly qualified doctor who understands the intricacies of laser lithotripsy, side effects are minimal. Most patients experience no discomfort except for mild irritation during urination in the first few days. This occurs because small stone fragments are naturally expelled, temporarily irritating the delicate mucous membrane of the ureters and urethra.

There are no strict post-procedure restrictions. However, to prevent future stone formation, a follow-up consultation with a urologist is recommended. The doctor will identify factors contributing to urolithiasis in the patient and provide guidance on preventing recurrence. Recommendations may include herbal medicines, anti-inflammatory treatments, lifestyle adjustments, or dietary changes.

Through a comprehensive professional approach, we not only eliminate dangerous kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethral stones but also equip our patients with the knowledge and strategies to prevent recurrence and maintain kidney health.