Holmium Laser Kidney Stone Surgery: How It Works

Zuletzt aktualisiert: 18. Mai 2026

Hauptsitz des Krankenhauses Bangkok, Bangkok

Krankenhaus Samitivej Sriracha, Chonburi

The first reports of endoscopic laser surgery for urinary tract stones were published by German and British researchers in 1988, with an impressive success rate of around 84%. The main limitation at the time was stone retropulsion – the stone being pushed back into the kidney by the laser’s energy before it could be fragmented. This often required conversion to open surgery to retrieve the stone.

Steinschmerzen sind für Patienten immer ein großes Problem

Over the past three decades, laser technology for kidney stone surgery has advanced significantly. Among the various laser types available, the Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser has become the gold standard for endoscopic urinary tract stone treatment.

Holmium-Laser-Mechanismus

Key advantages of Holmium laser (Ho:YAG)

Highly absorbed by water, preventing heat damage to the urinary tract – unlike some older lasers that could raise surrounding tissue temperature to dangerous levels
Modern Ho:YAG generators introduce advanced beam technology that breaks stones faster and significantly reduces stone retropulsion back into the kidney
Cannot penetrate more than 5 cm in air, making it safe for operating surgeons with no reported eye injuries
Reported success rate of 95–96% for stones at any position along the urinary tract system

The latest generation Holmium laser systems are capable of reducing stone retropulsion rates, shortening operative times, lowering complication risks, and reducing hospital stay duration. For more details, you can come to visit ich im Büro.

If you have a kidney stone or ureteral stone and would like to discuss minimally invasive Holmium laser treatment, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. Beratungstermin buchen.

Frequently Asked Questions about Holmium Laser Kidney Stone Surgery

What is Holmium laser surgery for kidney stones?

Holmium laser ureteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure where a thin flexible or semi-rigid scope is passed through the urethra and ureter to reach the stone. A Ho:YAG laser fiber is then used to fragment the stone into small pieces or dust, which can pass naturally or be extracted. It is the gold standard for treating ureteral and kidney stones with a reported success rate of 95–96%.

Why is Holmium laser better than other types of lasers for kidney stones?

The Ho:YAG laser is highly absorbed by water, which limits thermal spread and protects surrounding urinary tract tissue from heat damage. It cannot penetrate more than 5 cm in air, making it safe for surgeons. Modern Ho:YAG systems incorporate anti-retropulsion technology and high-frequency pulse modes that fragment stones more efficiently and reduce the chance of stones being pushed back into the kidney during the procedure.

Is endoscopic laser surgery for kidney stones painful?

The procedure is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, so there is no pain during the operation. Post-operatively, patients may experience mild urinary discomfort, frequency, or occasionally blood in urine, which typically resolves within a few days. A temporary ureteral stent is often placed after the procedure to ensure drainage and is removed in a follow-up visit. Most patients are discharged the same day or the following day.

What size of kidney stone can be treated with Holmium laser?

Holmium laser ureteroscopy can treat stones of virtually any size, though the optimal indication is stones between 5 mm and 20 mm in the ureter or kidney. For larger stones (over 20 mm), percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is generally preferred for first-line treatment. For very small stones under 4–5 mm, spontaneous passage is usually expected without surgical intervention.

How long does recovery take after Holmium laser stone surgery?

Recovery is typically rapid. Most patients resume normal daily activities within 1–3 days and return to full activities within 1–2 weeks. A ureteral stent, if placed, is removed in an outpatient procedure after 1–2 weeks. Post-operative follow-up imaging is scheduled to confirm stone clearance and monitor for any residual fragments.

**Haftungsausschluss:** Dieser Inhalt wurde von Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, einem Facharzt für Urologie am Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, verfasst und überprüft. Er dient ausschließlich Bildungszwecken und stellt keine medizinische Beratung dar. Konsultieren Sie immer einen qualifizierten Mediziner, bevor Sie eine medizinische Behandlung beginnen.

Medizinisch verfasst & überprüft von: Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) – Fachärztin für Urologie, Bangkok Hospital Hauptverwaltung. International Stipendiatin: Baylor College of Medicine (USA) · Juntendo University (Japan) · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan).

Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone

Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) ist ein Facharzt für Urologie am Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, spezialisiert auf Männergesundheit, Roboterchirurgie (Da Vinci System) und Nierensteinbehandlung. Er hat internationale Fortbildungen am Baylor College of Medicine (USA), am Juntendo University Hospital (Japan) und am Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taiwan) absolviert. Alle medizinischen Inhalte auf dieser Website werden von Dr. Soarawee auf der Grundlage seiner klinischen Erfahrung und seiner internationalen Ausbildung verfasst und überprüft.