TIPS & TRICKS - Lithotripsy Technique for Cystine Stone
Usage of Lasers to Fragment or Dust Cystine Stones
The endoscopic appearance of a cystine stone can be identified even with fiberoptic scopes. The surface of the stone has a shiny/glowing crystal-like appearance. Although cystine stones are known as hard stones due to the double sulfur bonds between cystine atoms, lasers are very effective for both dusting and fragmenting these stones. The typical odor that transpires and fills the operating room during lithotripsy helps to diagnose cystine stone patients. Another indication for this diagnosis appears on the endoscopic screen — the accumulation of hydrophobic dust particles inside the bubbles that are formed inside the urinary tract. The hydrophobic ends of broken sulfur bonds are responsible for the accumulation of dust particles inside these bubbles.
