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Endoscopy 1986; 18(3): 92-94
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-1018339
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

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

Ch. Ell, J. Hochberger, D. Müller, H. Zirngibl1 , J. Giedl2 , G. Lux, L. Demling
  • Medizinische Klinik mit Poliklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • 1Chirurgische Klinik mit Poliklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
  • 2Abteilung für Klinische Pathologie der Chirurgischen Klinik mit Poliklinik der Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2008 (online)

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Summary

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.

Key words:

Choledocholithiasis - Lithotripsy - Laser - Pulsed laser - Nd:YAG laser