Intraductal Laser Fiber Tip Fracture and Retrieval during Sialendoscopic Laser-Assisted Lithotripsy

Abstract

Fragmentation of flexible laser fiber tips has been reported to occur during therapeutic bronchoscopy and urologic stone treatment. We report fragmentation of 200-μm single-use silica-based fibers during sialendoscopy-controlled Holmium:YAG laser treatment of a parotid and a submandibular stone. The technique employed to successfully retrieve the fiber tips is described in the context of identifying this potential complication from endoscopic management of sialolithiasis.