Frequency-Doubled Dual-Pulse Freddy Lithotripsy Laser in the Treatment of Urinary Tract Calculi

Background and Purpose: The Frequency-Doubled Dual-Pulse Nd:YAG FREDDY laser is a short-pulsed, solid-state laser with wavelengths of 532 and 1064 nm that was developed for intracorporeal lithothripsy. This clinical study is designed to test its fragmentation efficiency in the treatment of urinary tract calculi. Patients and Methods: 500 urinary tract calculi treated in 194 female and 306 male patients with a mean age of 46 years. All patients were assessed one week post-op with a plain film of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. Stone-free rate and final outcome have been evaluated. Final outcome is defined as stone-free or residual fragments. Analysis has been made according to stone size, location and number of stones. The analgesia requirements during each treatment and complications have also been analyzed. Results: The overall stone-free rate for patients was 92.4%. The success rate for upper ureteral was 85.1% (126/148), while the rate for mid/lower was 95.3% (307/322). Bladder stone success rate 96.6% (29/30). Of all 38 incomplete fragmentations, 20 cases (4%) were treated with ESWL and 18 cases (3.6%) had open surgery. Neither fever nor pyonephrosis was reported. The average laser treatment time was 3.3 minutes and the average post-op hospitalization was 2.5 days. Conclusions: The FREDDY laser is an extremely efficient and safe minimally invasive lithotripsy treatment for urinary stones. It should be considered as an alternative treatment for urolithiasis.