Feasibility and long-term safety of Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy in broncholithiasis patients

Abstract Background Treatment of broncholithiasis is complex, especially in the case a large or transbronchial broncholith. Holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet (Ho:YAG) laser lithotripsy may be useful treatment broncholithiasis; however, as it not yet common practice, optimal parameters are unknown. Methods We performed single-center retrospective analysis clinical data 13 patients who underwent Ho:YAG from May 2012 to October 2018. Results For (2 males and 11 females), was 17 times, total. All procedures were under general anesthesia with rigid bronchoscopy. initially set pulse frequency 5 Hz energy 0.8 J, gradually increasing these required. The range we employed 5–15 Hz, 0.8–1.6 J. broncholiths successfully extracted after lithotripsy, all symptoms improved. Hemoptysis, bronchial esophageal fistula, pneumonia most complications; there no long-term complications. Conclusions an effective safe for broncholithiasis, over follow up.