Balloon cystoscopy with neodymium:YAG laser

We performed balloon cystoscopy for the diagnosis of gross hematuria as well as for the treatment of bladder tumor using the neodymium:YAG laser. Animal experiments were done to evaluate the efficacy of laser irradiation through the balloon, which proved to have the same effect as conventional laser irradiation. A total of 40 patients with bladder diseases was observed and treated by balloon cystoscopy, and the results were examined comparatively. Even with gross hematuria the structure of the mucosa and the tumor could be observed in detail without irrigating the inside of the bladder. Most bladder tumors were successfully treated with laser irradiation through the balloon through the optic lens system. Therefore, balloon cystoscopy appears to be a useful endoscopic modality in neodymium:YAG laser surgery for the treatment of bladder tumor.