Modern Endourology
High Power Laser Treatments in Urology
Modern Holmium:YAG lasers are a core technology in endourology and are used across different procedures of the urinary tract, from endoscopic stone treatment to prostate enucleation. The Urology Center at LEFKOS STAVROS uses a High Power Holmium Laser, with the official source citing the DORNIER MEDILAS H-140 for endoscopic lithotripsy.
"High Power" describes the capabilities of the laser platform. It does not mean every procedure is performed at maximum power — settings are selected depending on the procedure, tissue, stone, anatomy and surgical goal.
DORNIER MEDILAS H-140
The DORNIER MEDILAS H-140 is a High Power Holmium laser platform installed at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic, used for endoscopic lithotripsy as part of modern endourology.
Holmium laser energy is delivered through thin optical fibers passed through rigid or flexible endoscopes, enabling fragmentation or dusting of stones, as well as selected endoscopic prostate techniques.
High-power laser energy delivery
Delivery through thin optical fibers
Used with rigid and flexible endoscopes
Flexible application at different levels of the urinary tract
Holmium:YAG ≠ Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL)
Holmium:YAG laser and Thulium Fiber Laser (TFL) are different laser technologies used in endourology. Holmium laser energy can be delivered through flexible fibers and is used for stone fragmentation/dusting, as well as selected prostate techniques (e.g. HoLEP).
Applications of High Power Laser in Urology
Laser Nephrolithotripsy / RIRS
Endoscopic treatment of kidney stones via flexible ureterorenoscopy with Holmium laser application.
Learn moreEndoscopic Ureteral Lithotripsy
Ureteroscopy with Holmium laser application for fragmentation or dusting of ureteral stones.
Learn moreLaser Cystolithotripsy
Endoscopic treatment of bladder stones with Holmium laser.
Learn moreHoLEP – Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate
Anatomical enucleation of the prostate adenoma for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), using Holmium laser.
Learn moreLaser vs PCNL — An Important Distinction
RIRS and endoscopic ureteral/bladder lithotripsy rely on Holmium laser. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) uses its own intracorporeal lithotripsy system to fragment large stones — it is not a laser platform. The choice of technique is individualised based on stone size, location and composition.
Learn moreWhich Condition Is Being Treated?
Kidney / Ureteral Stone
Ureteroscopy / RIRS → Holmium Laser Lithotripsy
Bladder Stone
Cystolithotripsy with Holmium Laser
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Selected cases, HoLEP with Holmium Laser
Large / Complex Stone Burden
Assessment for RIRS or PCNL, depending on anatomy
A laser system can support different procedures, but the choice of technique is made based on the condition — not the machine.
High Power Holmium laser is not an established treatment for bladder cancer. Treatment of bladder tumours follows a separate diagnostic and therapeutic pathway.
Modern Technologies in Urological Surgery
Συχνές Ερωτήσεις
What is High Power Holmium Laser?
It is a high-power laser platform used in endourology for lithotripsy and selected prostate techniques.
What is the DORNIER MEDILAS H-140?
It is the High Power Holmium laser installed at LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic.
Which urological procedures use it?
Examples include lithotripsy of the kidney, ureter and bladder, as well as prostate enucleation (HoLEP).
Is it used for kidney stones?
Yes, via RIRS or ureteroscopy with Holmium laser application.
Is it used for ureteral stones?
Yes, via endoscopic lithotripsy through ureteroscopy.
Is it used for bladder stones?
Yes, via endoscopic laser cystolithotripsy.
What is HoLEP?
It is anatomical enucleation of the prostate adenoma using Holmium laser, for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Is it the same laser for stones and the prostate?
The same type of platform (Holmium laser) can support both applications, using a different technique depending on the indication.
What does High Power mean?
It refers to the technical capabilities of the laser platform, not that every procedure is performed at maximum power.
Is it always used at maximum power?
No. Settings are individualised depending on the procedure and goal.
Are Holmium and TFL the same?
No, they are different laser technologies.
Is PCNL a laser procedure?
No. PCNL uses its own intracorporeal lithotripsy system, different from the Holmium laser platform.
Does every stone need laser treatment?
No. The appropriate treatment is individualised based on stone size, location and composition.
Sources
- Official documentation of LEFKOS STAVROS – The Athens Clinic on the High Power Holmium Laser and the DORNIER MEDILAS H-140.
- Official manufacturer documentation (DORNIER MedTech) for the MEDILAS H system.