Laser lithotripsy

Laser lithotripsy is a surgical procedure to remove a kidney stone, ureteral stone or bladder stone.

Procedure
An urologist inserts a cystoscope or ureteroscope into the patient's urethra either directly or over a guide wire, and proceeds visually up the urinary tract to locate the target kidney or bladder stone. Once the stone is located, a thin fiberoptic is introduced into the working channel of the endoscope and advanced until it comes into contact with the stone. Light from a holmium laser is directed through the fiberoptic and the stone disintegrates or fragments. The smaller fragments can be removed with a basket tool or left to flush out with normal urinary function. This procedure is done under anesthetic and is considered  minimally invasive.