16 Aug 2025
10:30
12:00
TICC - 1F 101A
Endourology (B)
Yi-Sheng TaiTaiwan
Moderator
Which Laser for RIRS: Thulium Fiber Laser Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL)is a type of fiber laser, distinct from Thulium laser used for prostate surgey. It’ a cutting-edge laser and rapidly gaining traction in urology The machine is compact, portable, quiet with air-cooling, and lower power consumption.It employs a thulium-doped silica fiber powered by diode lasers, emitting light at 1940 nm, matching water absorption peaks. This results in a high absorption coefficient and shallow penetration (~0.1 mm), enabling precise energy delivery and minimizing tissue damage.Compared to Holmium lasers, TFL operates at lower energies (down to 25mJ) and higher frequencies (up to 2000Hz) for delicate tissue ablation and fine stone dusting.
The most notable change is pulse modulationHo:YAG lasers has Spike-shaped pulses and indicate greater energy concentration, resulting in higher localized heating, uneven fragmentation, and increased retropulsion.TFL produces pulses with uniform energy distribution and lower peak power, resulting in consistent ablation with less retropulsion and fewer thermal spikes.Higher water absorption rapidly forms a vapor channel, enhancing ablation efficiency.
But, TFL is not as ideal in surgical scenarios. At settings of low pulse energy (0.2 J) and high frequency (100 Hz), it tends to cause troublesome char formation and spark generation, particularly when treating calcium phosphate stones. These phenomena, explosive combustion and carbonization can reduce ablation efficiency and increase the risk of thermal damage and fiber degradation. Optimizing TFL settings is very important for outcome and safety and ongoing evaluation. AI in Medical Imaging – Converting 2D Black & White to 3D and Applications in Mixed Reality (MR) used in RIRS Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR) are at the forefront of innovation in modern medicine. In endoscopic surgery, these technologies are increasingly being integrated to enhance procedural precision and intraoperative guidance.
One experimental application involves using AI to convert 2D CT scans into 3D visualizations, offering surgeons a more intuitive understanding of anatomical structures. Devices like the Apple Vision Pro may be used to create fully immersive virtual environments, although it is not currently approved as a medical device.
In clinical practice, Mixed Reality (MR)—which blends real and virtual environments with real-time interaction—has shown promise. MR has been used during Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery (RIRS) to reduce the risk of missed stones, and in Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS) to overlay anatomical data, improving puncture accuracy during Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCN).
As an emerging field, further advancements will depend on enhanced imaging resolution, improved intrarenal navigation and integration of AI-driven real-time stone detection.
Yi-Yang LiuTaiwan
Moderator
Complex Renal Stone: PCNL or RIRS or Combination?Mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mini-PCNL) provides stone-free rate (SFR) 85 to 95 % in children with complex burdens, and recent systematic reviews report overall complications < 7 % and transfusion requirements ≈3 % when tracts ≤18 Fr are used. Its drawbacks are the need for percutaneous access, risk of bleeding, and potential parenchymal scarring, especially when multiple tracts are required.
Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) avoids renal puncture and shows the lowest incidence of high-grade complications (<1 %); contemporary series in preschool children describe initial SFRs of 60–78 %, with secondary procedures needed in up to one-third of cases because of narrow, tortuous ureters. Pre-stenting, staged dilation and longer operative time can offset its minimally-invasive appeal for stones ≥2 cm.
Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) merges an antegrade mini-PCNL channel with simultaneous flexible ureteroscopy. The first multicenter pediatric series and a 2024 comparative study confirm SFRs of 75–92 %, shorter hospital stay and lower fluoroscopy or transfusion risk than standalone PCNL despite treating more complex stones. Its limitations are the need for two skilled teams, specialized equipment and the Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia position, which lengthen setup and raise costs.
In summary, mini-PCNL remains the most efficient monotherapy for large or staghorn calculi; RIRS is ideal when bleeding risk or unfavorable percutaneous windows predominate; ECIRS offers the best compromise between clearance and morbidity where resources and expertise allow. Individualized, anatomy-based algorithms and further pediatric RCTs are still required.
ECIRSIn this session, we will demonstrate the technique about Totally-X-ray free ultrasound guided endoscopic combind intrarenal surgery in Galdakao modified supine Valdivia position.A Critical Appraisal on Percutaneous NephrolithotripsyPercutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) has evolved from a uniform prone, fluoroscopy-guided, large-tract technique into a precision endourological platform that emphasizes patient-tailored positioning, radiation-free puncture, miniaturized tracts, energy-efficient lasers and nascent robotic–AI augmentation. Contemporary evidence affirms that stone-free rates now approach a plateau, making safety metrics—bleeding control, infection prevention and intrarenal pressure modulation—the key differentiators among modern approaches. Miniaturized optics, suction-regulated sheaths and thulium-fiber or dual-wavelength laser consoles have collectively reduced hemoglobin loss and postoperative sepsis while preserving clearance efficacy. Future success will hinge on harmonizing technological innovation with rigorous evidence so that every incremental advance translates into measurable gains for both efficacy and safety in stone surgery.Echo guide Puncture in Supine PCNL: Tips and Tricks for an Efficient and Safe ProcedureMastery of ultrasound-guided supine PCNL begins with precise anatomical orientation. Color-Doppler mapping pinpoints the target calyx, which is punctured transpapillary with an echogenic-tip needle after artificial hydronephrosis is produced by retrograde ureteroscopic irrigation. A hydrophilic, floppy-tip yet stiff-shaft guidewire is then advanced through the needle, allowing atraumatic navigation of the collecting system under ureteroscopic visualization. Balloon dilation—used in place of sequential dilators—prevents guidewire dislodgement. When necessary, a through-and-through guidewire from flank skin to urethral meatus may be created to secure renal access. Finally, antegrade nephroscopy along this coaxial tract confirms unobstructed entry, provides panoramic inspection, and optimizes lithotripsy efficiency—all without fluoroscopy. Collectively, these steps deliver reliable access, eliminate radiation, and streamline stone clearance in a single, ergonomically favorable supine position.