Holmium laser cystolithotripsy under local anaesthesia: Our experience

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of transurethral holmium laser cystolithotripsy (HLC) under local anaesthesia using a flexible cystoscope. Patients and methods: A prospective study was undertaken from January 2013 to June 2015. In all, 37 men with bladder calculi underwent HLC under local anaesthesia, preferably in a lithotomy position using a flexible cystoscope, followed by per urethral Foley catheter placement postoperatively. Results: The mean (SD; range) patient age was 46.6 (5.6; 32–76) years. All patients were rendered stone-free, regardless of stone size. The mean (SD; range) stone size was 2.1 (1.2; 1.4–4.1) cm and operative time was 35 (6; 26–52) min. The whole procedure was well tolerated and there were no major intraoperative complications. The mean (SD; range) hospital stay was 2.4 (1.5; 1–5) days. After a mean follow-up of 6 months, no recurrent stones, urinary retention or urethral strictures had developed. Conclusions: Transurethral HLC using a flexible cystoscope under local anaesthesia is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of bladder calculi and can be used as an alternative treatment option.