Laser Treatments for Kidney Stones

This trial compares two types of laser technology for treating kidney stones during ureteroscopy. Researchers aim to determine which laser more effectively and safely breaks up kidney stones. The trial will test a pulsed Thulium:YAG laser against a pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG laser (also known as the Moses Holmium:YAG laser). Individuals with a single kidney stone or multiple stones totaling 7-20 mm in size, who qualify for ureteroscopy, may be suitable for this study. As an unphased trial, it offers participants the chance to contribute to advancing medical knowledge and improving future kidney stone treatments.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the study team or your doctor.

Research has shown that both the pulsed Thulium:YAG laser and the pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG laser, used to break kidney stones, are generally safe for patients. Studies have found that the pulsed Thulium:YAG laser is well-tolerated, achieving high success rates in stone removal with few complications. Patients often experience effective stone removal with minimal side effects.

Similarly, studies report that the pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG laser is effective and safe, with no major differences in success rates or complications compared to other methods. It also tends to use less energy, potentially resulting in fewer side effects.

Researchers are excited about these laser treatments for kidney stones because they offer potentially more effective and precise options compared to traditional methods. The Pulsed Thulium:YAG laser and the Pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG laser are designed to break down stones with greater efficiency and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. These lasers utilize advanced pulse modulation techniques, which could lead to quicker procedures and faster recovery times for patients. This represents a significant improvement over conventional treatments like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and older laser technologies, offering hope for better patient outcomes.

This trial will compare the effectiveness of the pulsed Thulium:YAG laser and the pulse-modulated Holmium:YAG laser for treating kidney stones. Research has shown that both lasers are effective. Studies indicate that the Thulium:YAG laser often leaves more patients completely free of stone fragments compared to the Holmium:YAG laser. For instance, one study found that the Thulium laser achieved a stone-free rate of 88.2% for small fragments, while the Holmium laser had a rate of 78.6%. Additionally, the Thulium laser usually works faster, reducing the time needed to break up larger stones by 40%. However, both lasers are generally effective, and neither shows a significant advantage over the other for certain types of stones. Participants in this trial will receive either the Thulium:YAG laser or the Holmium:YAG laser during their procedure.¹⁴⁶⁷⁸