In vitro effects of pulsed holmium laser energy on canine uroliths and porcine cadaveric urethra.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of holmium laser energy on canine uroliths and porcine urethra.

STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Uroliths of known composition and fresh cadaveric urethra were exposed to holmium laser energy. Urolith fragmentation times and depth of urethral lesions were determined.

RESULTS

Overall mean fragmentation time was 11.8 +/- 8.01 seconds. Magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) and urate uroliths had significantly shorter fragmentation times compared to other uroliths. Fragmentation time of MAP uroliths irradiated with 1.2 J/pulse was significantly longer than the fragmentation time of MAP uroliths irradiated with 0.3 J/pulse. Overall mean lesion depth for urethral specimens treated with 90 degrees contact mode irradiation was significantly greater than overall mean lesion depth for specimens treated with 30 degrees non-contact mode.

CONCLUSIONS

Holmium laser energy effectively fragmented canine uroliths and caused minimal urethral damage in vitro. Dogs with urolithiasis may represent a useful animal model for developing human lithotripsy procedures.