Holmium Laser Kidney Stone Surgery: How It Works

Dernière mise à jour : 18 mai 2026

Soarawee Weerasopone, Urologue

Siège de l'hôpital de Bangkok, Bangkok

Hôpital Samitivej Sriracha, Chonburi

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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.

La douleur à la pierre fait toujours beaucoup souffrir le patient

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.

Mécanisme du laser Holmium

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 moi au bureau.

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. Prendre rendez-vous.

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.

Avis de non-responsabilité : Ce contenu est rédigé et revu par le Dr Soarawee Weerasopone, urologue certifié au siège de Bangkok Hospital. Il est destiné uniquement à des fins éducatives et ne constitue pas un avis médical. Consultez toujours un professionnel de la santé qualifié avant de commencer tout traitement médical.

Rédigé et révisé par des médecins : Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr. Pom) – Urologue certifié, Hôpital de Bangkok (siège). Fellowship international : Baylor College of Medicine (États-Unis) · Juntendo University (Japon) · Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (Taïwan).

Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone

Le Dr Soarawee Weerasopone (Dr Pom) est un urologue certifié au Bangkok Hospital Headquarters, spécialisé dans la santé masculine, la chirurgie robotique (système Da Vinci) et le traitement des calculs rénaux. Il a effectué des bourses internationales au Baylor College of Medicine (États-Unis), à l'hôpital universitaire Juntendo (Japon) et à l'hôpital commémoratif Chang Gung (Taïwan). Tout le contenu médical de ce site est rédigé et révisé par le Dr Soarawee, sur la base de son expérience clinique et de sa formation internationale.