Title: Lithotripsy of Bile Duct Stones by Laser Therapy
Abstract: Laser therapy for bile duct stones, employing non-contact beam treatment using continuous wave Nd: YAG laser or contact beam treatment using a ceramic rod, has been performed in our institution from 1980. Consequently, the ratio of complete lithotripsy has been increased from 31/47 (66%) to 66/71 (93%).Recently, we had a oppotunity to use the Lasertripter (Flashlamp excited dye laser), which was devised for urinary stones. It beams pulse wave to crush stones. The effectiveness of with this new laser depends on the kind of the stone,but it is better than a conventional Nd: YAG laser. Furthermore, as this method can be used with a thin fiberscope, it is more effective for peripheral intrahepatic stones than a Nd: YAG laser. The ratio of complete lithotripsyby Flashlamp excited dye laser is 23/23 cases (100%).