1998 Volume 19 Issue 3 Pages 131-138
Percutaneous transhepatic lithotripsy (PTCSL) has become the preferred approach in patients with biletract stones. On a basis of the current trend, we investigated early elimination of bilirubin stones using the latest free-electron laser (FEL).
Infrared absorption spectra of gallstones that were removed surgically from the gallbladder and common bile duct were analyzed, and each absorbed dose was measured. The peak wavelength of absorption was at 5.75μm (wave number 1734cm-1).
The experimental wavelength was settled at 5.75μm and 5.9μm (wave number 1695cm-1), and non-contact photoirradiation was performed with average outputs of the beam at 10mW, respectively. Photoirradiation at 5.75μm for 20seconds showed complete elimination of bilirubin stones, and no effects on surroundings were found, while photoirradiation at 5.9μm showed no response in treating bilirubin stones.
Lithotripsy with FEL will be a useful treatment, since risks, such as recurrence due to remnant stones or damage to the duct wall, can be reduced.
