{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Feasibility and long-term safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in broncholithiasis patients.
{Author}: Cheng Y;Wang G;Zhang W;Zhang H;Wang X;
{Journal}: BMC Pulm Med
{Volume}: 21
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: Mar 2021 10
{Factor}: 3.32
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12890-021-01407-8
{Abstract}: <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Treatment of broncholithiasis is complex, especially in the case of a large or transbronchial broncholith. Holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy may be a useful treatment in broncholithiasis; however, as it is not yet common practice, the optimal parameters are unknown.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 13 broncholithiasis patients who underwent Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy from May 2012 to October 2018.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>For the 13 patients (2 males and 11 females), Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was performed 17 times, in total. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia with rigid bronchoscopy. We initially set the Ho:YAG laser to a pulse frequency of 5 Hz and a pulse energy of 0.8 J, gradually increasing these as required. The pulse frequency range we employed was 5-15 Hz, and the pulse energy range was 0.8-1.6 J. All broncholiths were successfully extracted after lithotripsy, and all symptoms improved. Hemoptysis, bronchial esophageal fistula, and pneumonia were the most common complications; however, there were no long-term complications.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy is an effective and safe treatment for broncholithiasis, over a long-term follow up.