Ep. 152 Laser Options for Kidney Stones: A Clinician’s Guide with Dr. Ben Chew

This week on BackTable Urology, Dr. Ben Chew, professor and clinical researcher with the University of British Columbia, provides valuable insights on laser treatments for kidney stones. First, Dr. Chew provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of laser treatment for kidney stones. Dr. Silva and Dr. Chew then discuss the unique characteristics of different laser types, such as the Holmium and the Thulium lasers. Dr. Chew also covers critical safety considerations, like maintaining low intravenous pressure, using cold irrigation, and taking breaks during sustained laser treatment. Additionally, they delve into emerging technology, such as the use of electromagnetic guidance, for more accurate laser application. --- SHOW NOTES 00:00 - Introduction 06:49 - Choosing the Right Laser 12:11 - Energy Settings for Lasers 18:49 - Upper Tract Tumors and Lasers 23:54 - Preventing Thermal Injuries During Laser Treatment 27:03 - Dusting vs Fragmentation with Lasers 34:27 - The Impact of New Technologies on Kidney Stone Treatment 41:30 - Final Thoughts and Safety Recommendations