Laser Lithotripsy
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Quick Recovery Kidney Stone Treatment Using Laser Technology
Laser Lithotripsy is a modern, minimally invasive treatment designed to safely remove kidney, ureter, and bladder stones with high precision. Using advanced laser technology, stones are broken into tiny fragments that can pass naturally or be removed during the procedure. This treatment offers faster recovery, minimal pain, and reduced hospital stay compared to traditional surgery. Patients experiencing severe flank pain, urinary infections, blood in urine, or recurrent stones benefit greatly from this technique. The procedure is performed using endoscopic methods without large cuts, ensuring quicker healing and excellent outcomes while preserving normal urinary function and improving long-term urinary health.
What is laser lithotripsy?
Laser lithotripsy uses a holmium or thulium fibre laser to break kidney and ureter stones into fine dust or small fragments. The laser is passed through a thin telescope (ureteroscope) that enters through the natural urinary passage, so there is no cut on the body.
Who is it suitable for?
- Ureteric stones causing pain or blockage that have not passed with medicines
- Kidney stones up to about 2 cm (treated by RIRS, retrograde intrarenal surgery)
- Stones that failed shockwave treatment (ESWL)
- Patients on blood thinners, obese patients or pregnant women where other options are riskier
- Hard stones such as calcium oxalate monohydrate or cystine that respond poorly to ESWL
Larger or branched (staghorn) stones are usually better treated with PCNL or mini-PCNL.
The procedure
- Done under spinal or general anaesthesia, typically in 45–90 minutes
- Stone fragments are dusted or removed with a basket
- A soft DJ stent is often left in the ureter for 1–3 weeks to help drainage, and removed in a quick OPD procedure
- Most patients go home the same day or the next day
Recovery and results
Most people return to work in 2–4 days. Mild burning, frequency or a little blood in the urine while the stent is in place is common and settles. Single-session stone clearance rates for appropriately selected stones are high, and the procedure can be repeated if needed.
Preventing new stones
After treatment, a stone analysis and, for recurrent formers, a 24-hour urine test guide prevention. Drinking enough water to pass about 2.5 litres of urine a day, limiting salt and animal protein, and continuing normal dietary calcium greatly reduce the chance of another stone. Read more: why kidney stones keep coming back.
Laser lithotripsy in Koramangala and Bellandur
Dr. Bivek Kumar (MCh Urology, FRSM) has more than 18 years of experience and over 11,000 urological surgeries. He consults at Superhealth Hospital, Koramangala (Mon–Sat, 9 am–6 pm) and Nelivigi Multispeciality Hospital, Bellandur (Tue, Thu & Sat 7–8 pm; Sunday by appointment only), in English, Hindi, Kannada and Bengali. Book an appointment or call to discuss your reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is effective for kidney stones, ureteric stones, bladder stones, and certain complex urinary stones.
Yes, it is minimally invasive, causes less pain, and allows faster recovery compared to open surgery.
In some cases, a temporary ureteral stent is placed to help urine flow and healing.
Usually 1–2 weeks, depending on stone size and recovery progress.
Yes, many medium and large stones can be effectively treated using advanced laser techniques.
Related treatments & reading
- RIRS/PCNL
- What Is Laser Stone Surgery?
- Who Needs Laser Surgery for Kidney Stones?
- Kidney Stone Treatment in Koramangala: When You Need RIRS, URS or PCNL
- Can Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?
Book a consultation with Dr Bivek Kumar: Superhealth Hospital, Koramangala (Mon–Sat, 9 am–6 pm) or Nelivigi Hospital, Bellandur (Tue, Thu & Sat 7–8 pm; Sunday by appointment only). See all clinic locations, OPD timings & directions →