Holmium Laser Kidney Stone Surgery: How It Works

Последнее обновление: 18 мая 2026

Соарави Вирасопоне, уролог

Главный офис больницы Бангкока, Бангкок

Больница Самитивей Шрирача, Чонбури

ЛИНИЯ Контакт

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.

Боль в камнях всегда причиняет пациенту много страданий

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.

Механизм гольмиевого лазера

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 мне в офисе.

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. Записаться на консультацию.

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.

**Отказ от ответственности:** Этот контент написан и проверен доктором Соарави Вирасопоне, сертифицированным урологом в Главном госпитале Бангкока. Он предназначен только для образовательных целей и не является медицинской консультацией. Всегда обращайтесь к квалифицированному медицинскому работнику перед началом любого медицинского лечения.

Медицински написано и проверено: Д-р Соарауи Веерасопон (д-р Пом) — сертифицированный уролог, штаб-квартира Бангкокского госпиталя. Международный научный сотрудник: Бейлорский медицинский колледж (США) · Университет Дзюнтэндо (Япония) · Мемориальная больница Чанг Гунг (Тайвань).

Доктор Соарави Вирасопоне

Доктор Соарави Вирасопон (доктор Пом) — сертифицированный уролог в Главном госпитале Бангкока, специализирующийся на мужском здоровье, роботизированной хирургии (система Da Vinci) и лечении камней в почках. Он прошел международные стажировки в Медицинском колледже Бэйлора (США), госпитале Университета Дзюндо (Япония) и Мемориальном госпитале Чанг Гун (Тайвань). Весь медицинский контент на этом сайте написан и проверен доктором Соарави на основе его клинического опыта и международного обучения.