Case report: holmium laser resection and lasertripsy for intravesical ureterocele with calculus.

The holmium laser has established an important role in urology, particularly in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and urolithiasis. Its light (wavelength 2140 nm) has a high coefficient of absorption in water, such that 95% of the laser energy is absorbed in 0.5 mm of water. Thus, the majority of the laser energy is contained superficially, imparting the holmium laser with excellent cutting and tissue ablation properties. It provides sharp incision with simultaneous hemostasis. Perhaps the most significant benefit of the holmium laser is its versatility when delivered through rigid or flexible endoscopes using quartz fibers of various sizes. We present the use of this laser in the ablation of an intravesical ureterocele with calculus. Copyright 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.