Hot vs. Cold: How Water Temperature Affects Laser Stone Busting

Lasers are often used to break apart kidney stones. But did you know that the temperature of the water used during the procedure can make a difference? Researchers wanted to see if warmer water helps lasers work better. They tested this with six types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate monohydrate, cystine, struvite, calcium phosphate, uric acid, and calcium oxalate dihydrate. They used a special laser and different water temperatures: room temperature, body temperature, and two warmer temperatures. The laser was tested at three different energy levels. They measured how much of the stone was broken up. The results showed that warmer water helped the laser break up most types of stones better, except for uric acid stones. Stones that are harder, like calcium oxalate monohydrate and cystine, benefited the most from warmer water. This is because harder stones require more energy to break apart. However, the effect of warmer water was not as big as changing the laser's energy level. A big increase in water temperature (7°C) was only as effective as a small increase in laser energy (0. 1 J). So, while warmer water can help, it's not as important as adjusting the laser's power. The study used a special technique called optical coherence tomography to see how much of the stone was broken up. They also looked at the size and porosity of the stones. This information helps us understand how different types of stones react to laser treatment. For example, harder stones need more energy to break apart, so they benefit more from warmer water. This is important for doctors to know when they're treating patients with kidney stones. The study also showed that the type of stone matters. Some stones, like calcium oxalate monohydrate and cystine, are harder and need more energy to break apart. Other stones, like calcium phosphate and struvite, are easier to break apart. This is because they are more porous and have a lower tensile strength. This information can help doctors choose the best treatment for each patient.The study also looked at how the laser's energy level affects stone ablation. They found that increasing the laser's energy level had a bigger effect on stone ablation than increasing the water temperature. This is because the laser's energy level determines how much energy is delivered to the stone. The water temperature only affects how well the laser can deliver that energy. So, while warmer water can help, it's not as important as adjusting the laser's power. The study also showed that the effect of warmer water on stone ablation is modest. This means that while it can help, it's not a big difference. The most important factor is the laser's energy level. This is because the laser's energy level determines how much energy is delivered to the stone. The water temperature only affects how well the laser can deliver that energy. So, while warmer water can help, it's not as important as adjusting the laser's power. The study also showed that the effect of warmer water on stone ablation is most noticeable for harder stones. This is because harder stones need more energy to break apart. So, they benefit more from warmer water. This is important for doctors to know when they're treating patients with kidney stones. It can help them choose the best treatment for each patient. The study also showed that the effect of warmer water on stone ablation is not as big as changing the laser's energy level. This is because the laser's energy level determines how much energy is delivered to the stone. The water temperature only affects how well the laser can deliver that energy. So, while warmer water can help, it's not as important as adjusting the laser's power. The study also showed that the effect of warmer water on stone ablation is most noticeable for harder stones. This is because harder stones need more energy to break apart. So, they benefit more from warmer water. This is important for doctors to know when they're treating patients with kidney stones. It can help them choose the best treatment for each patient. The study also showed that the effect of warmer water on stone ablation is not as big as changing the laser's energy level. This is because the laser's energy level determines how much energy is delivered to the stone. The water temperature only affects how well the laser can deliver that energy. So, while warmer water can help, it's not as important as adjusting the laser's power.