Soft-Tissue Applications of the Holmium:YAG Laser in Urology
Razvi, Chun, Denstedt, Sales
Journal of Endourology, Volume 9, Number 5, 1995
The Holmium:YAG laser possesses both ablative and hemostatic properties and in preliminary
clinical use has demonstrated many potential urologic applications. We review our initial
experience in treating a variety of soft-tissue lesions of the urinary tract with this
laser. The laser demonstrated precise hemostatic cutting and warrants further
investigation as a multipurpose urologic laser.
Johnson
Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 14:213-218 (1994)
This is the first North American report describing the use of the Holmium:YAG (Ho:YAG)
laser to treat patients with superficial bladder carcinoma. Fifteen patients, with a total
of 52 recurrent superficial bladder tumors, underwent endoscopic laser photoablation of
their lesions.We conclude that using the Ho:YAG for endoscopic treatment of patients with
superficial bladder tumors is both feasible and clinically useful and that the lack of
perceived pain or discomfort during lasing, as well as the lack of need for an in-dwelling
urethral catheter, makes it advantageous for selected patients over conventional
electroresection techniques.
Webb, Kockelburgh, Johnson
Minimally Invasive Therapy, 1993, 2:23-26
Fifty-one cases of VersaPulse Holmium laser treatment of various urologic conditions are
presented. The laser was easy to use and was equally effective through fluid and carbon
dioxide media for soft tissue ablation, lithotripsy and laparoscopic surgery. The laser
demonstrated precision haemostatic cutting and was particularly suited to superficial
ablation of lesions in the bladder and urethra and for the fragmentation of ureteric
calculi. We feel this laser warrants further investigation as an urological laser and may
have applications in other fields of endoscopic surgery.