Dye laser lithotripsy is a medical procedure used in the treatment of urinary stones, particularly kidney stones. It involves the use of a dye laser to break down or fragment the stones into smaller pieces for easier removal.
The procedure starts with the insertion of a small, flexible tube called a ureteroscope into the patient's urinary tract, usually through the urethra and bladder. The ureteroscope is equipped with a fiber optic cable that delivers laser energy to the stones. A special dye is administered into the patient's bloodstream, which then localizes within the stones.
Once the stones are localized, the dye laser is activated, emitting a high-intensity laser beam at a specific wavelength that is absorbed by the dye. This absorption causes the dye to heat up rapidly, leading to the fragmentation of the stones into smaller pieces. These small stone fragments can then be naturally eliminated by the patient's urine.
Dye laser lithotripsy offers several advantages over other lithotripsy techniques, such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. It provides precise and targeted energy delivery, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues and maximizing stone fragmentation. Additionally, the procedure can often be performed on an outpatient basis, reducing hospital stays and recovery time.
In summary, dye laser lithotripsy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes a dye-enhanced laser to fragment urinary stones, facilitating their elimination from the body.
