Urinary stones are a representative urologic condition that tends to occur more frequently during the summer and can cause severe pain in the flank and lower abdomen. The condition is more common in men. If treatment is delayed, it can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, hydronephrosis, and even kidney failure, making early diagnosis and proper treatment essential.
Traditional treatments for urinary stones have mainly included extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy. Ureteroscopic holmium laser surgery may be considered in situations where shock wave therapy has failed three or more times, when patients experience severe pain or fear related to repeated shock wave treatments, or when stones are located in areas difficult to treat with shock wave lithotripsy.
However, conventional holmium laser methods sometimes present challenges during the procedure. Stone fragments can scatter or migrate upward along the ureter. In particular, if stones move into the kidney, it may take considerable time to capture and remove them again, which can increase the difficulty of the surgery.
To address these limitations, a newer technology known as the Moses system has been introduced. The Moses system uses a dual-pulse laser principle. The first laser pulse separates the surrounding water to create a pathway, allowing the second pulse to reach the stone directly without significant energy loss. This mechanism enables more effective stone fragmentation compared with conventional systems.
In addition, the Moses system generates a vortex effect that helps stabilize the stone in place. As a result, the likelihood of stone retropulsion or upward migration toward the kidney is significantly reduced, and the time required for stone removal can be shortened. Consequently, patients often experience faster recovery and improved treatment satisfaction.
Nevertheless, urinary stone disease cannot be managed through treatment alone. Preventing recurrence requires consistent lifestyle management and adherence to preventive measures.
First, drinking at least two liters of water per day is important to keep urine diluted and reduce the risk of stone formation. It is also advisable to limit excessive salt intake and high consumption of animal protein. Diets high in salty foods and meat may promote stone formation, so maintaining a balanced diet is recommended. In addition, individuals with a family history of urinary stones should undergo regular medical checkups.
Dr. Min Seung-gi of Goldman Urology Clinic’s Jamsil branch emphasized that early diagnosis is crucial because urinary stones can cause severe pain and serious complications if left untreated. He noted that the Moses system, which addresses limitations of traditional holmium laser systems, represents a technological advancement that significantly improves the efficiency of urinary stone treatment.