XeCl laser in biliary calculus fragmentation: fluence threshold and ablation products

The in vitro action of a xenon chlorine (XeCl) excimer laser on biliary calculi is reported. Fluence threshold and ablation rate are given. An analysis of gaseous products evolved during irradiation of gallstones, performed through an infrared spectrophotometric technique, is also reported. The mechanism of destruction is discussed on the basis of the experimental results.<
>