Abstract
Studies from numerous institutions have shown that the pulsed-dye laser lithotripter is a safe and effective tool for the treatment of urinary calculi. In most of these series, only one or two well-trained operators perform the procedure. We report a series of 53 patients with a 96% successful stone ablation rate in which 19 urologists were involved. There was no morbidity or mortality related to laser use. These results compare favorably with series from experienced single operators and that with standard urologic and endoscopic experience, laser training, and appropriate case selection, laser lithotripsy is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of urinary calculi even when performed by occasional users.
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