Rice P, Somani BK, Nagele U, Herrmann TRW, Tokas T. Generated temperatures and thermal laser damage during upper tract endourological procedures using the holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser: a systematic review of experimental studies.
World J Urol 2022;
40:1981-1992. [PMID:
35355103 DOI:
10.1007/s00345-022-03992-7]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE
To perform a review on the latest evidence related to generated temperatures during Ho:YAG laser use, and present different tools to maintain decreased values, and minimize complication rates during endourological procedures.
METHODS
We performed a literature search using PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials-CENTRAL, restricted to original English-written articles, including animal, artificial model, and human studies. Different keywords were URS, RIRS, ureteroscopy, percutaneous, PCNL, and laser.
RESULTS
Thermal dose (t43) is an acceptable tool to assess possible thermal damage using the generated temperature and the time of laser exposure. A t43 value of more than 120 min leads to a high risk of thermal tissue injury and at temperatures higher than 43 °C Ho:YAG laser use becomes hazardous due to an exponentially increased cytotoxic effect. Using open continuous flow, or chilled irrigation, temperatures remain lower than 45 °C. By utilizing high-power (> 40 W) or shorter laser pulse, temperatures rise above the accepted threshold, but adding a ureteral access sheath (UAS) helps to maintain acceptable values.
CONCLUSIONS
Open irrigation systems, chilled irrigation, UASs, laser power < 40 W, and shorter on/off laser activation intervals help to keep intrarenal temperatures at accepted values during URS and PCNL.
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