SP TLF Versus Ho:YAG Laser

Comparative Effectiveness of the Super Pulse Thulium Fiber Laser (SP TLF) for Laser Lithotripsy of Urinary Calculi

The investigators aim to compare the performance of the Super Pulse Thulium fiber laser (SP TFL) with that of the standard Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser. The investigators hypothesize that the electronically-modulated laser diodes, of the TFL offers the most comprehensive and flexible range of laser parameters among laser lithotripters leading to more efficient (4 times more) and effective stone dusting resulting in production of finer dust particles obviating the need for postoperative ureteric stenting which remains a major source of patient discomfort.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient is scheduled to undergo mini-PCNL and/or RIRS surgery at the University of Rochester Medical Center for the management of upper urinary tract calculi (i.e. kidney and proximal ureter)
• Stones located in the kidney and proximal ureter
• Stones measuring 10-30mm
• Ability to give informed consent
• Any racial or ethnic origin
• Age 18 years and older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active kidney infection
• Patients with prior stenting
• Pregnant patients
• Patients with solitary kidney
• Patients with ureteral tumor or stricture
• Inability to give informed consent
• Not age 18 and older