Treatment

YAG Laser Lithotripsy

Overview

YAG Laser Lithotripsy is a modern, minimally invasive treatment used to break kidney stones into tiny pieces so they can be passed naturally.
It uses a focused laser beam, delivered through a thin flexible scope, to target and fragment the stones without the need for open surgery.
This advanced technique is especially useful for stones that are too large or hard to pass on their own.

Why YAG Laser Lithotripsy Treatment is Required?

• When kidney stones are too large to pass naturally
• If other non-invasive methods like medication or shockwave therapy fail
• For patients experiencing pain, bleeding or infections due to stones
• When fast and effective stone removal is necessary
• For treating stones in difficult-to-reach areas like the ureter or bladder

Key Advantages of YAG Laser Lithotripsy Treatment

• Non-invasive kidney stone removal without cuts
• Quick recovery time after laser lithotripsy
• High success rate of laser lithotripsy for all stone types
• Painless kidney stone treatment under anesthesia
• Precise targeting reduces damage to nearby tissue
• Suitable for hard or irregular-shaped stones
• No need for long hospital stay
• Less risk of recurrence compared to older methods

How Should You Prepare Yourself Before YAG Laser Lithotripsy Treatment

• Share complete medical history with your doctor
• Do required blood and urine tests
• Avoid blood-thinning medications as advised
• Stay on an empty stomach 6–8 hours before the procedure
• Arrange someone to accompany you post-treatment
• Follow your urologist’s instructions closely

How YAG Laser Lithotripsy Treatment is Performed?

• You will receive anesthesia to ensure comfort
• A thin tube (ureteroscope) is inserted through the urinary tract
• The YAG laser is guided to the location of the stone
• Laser pulses break the kidney stone into tiny pieces
• Fragments are either removed or left to pass naturally
• A stent may be placed temporarily to help urine flow
• The procedure usually takes 30–90 minutes

What You Can Expect Before, During and After Procedure?

• Before Procedure:
• Pre-surgery evaluations and fasting
• Anesthesia planning and consent
• During Procedure:
• You will be under sedation or anesthesia
• The doctor will perform the laser lithotripsy with precision
• Continuous monitoring for safety
• After Procedure:
• You may feel mild burning while urinating
• Drink plenty of fluids to flush out stone fragments
• You might be prescribed antibiotics or painkillers
• Resume normal activities within a day or two

Risk and Potential Complications

• Mild bleeding or discomfort while urinating
• Temporary need for a ureteral stent
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Risk of stone fragments getting stuck
• Rare chance of injury to the urinary tract
• Re-treatment may be needed for large stones

Results/Outcomes

• Most patients experience complete stone removal
• High success rate of laser lithotripsy for all stone sizes
• Shorter recovery time compared to traditional methods
• Improved quality of life with reduced pain and symptoms
• Lower recurrence rates due to complete stone clearance