Raman spectroscopy and its urological applications

The Raman spectroscopic technology can be utilized for the detection of changes occurring at the molecular level during the pathological transformation of the tissue. The potential of its use in urology is still in its infancy and increasing utility of this technology will transform noninvasive tissue diagnosis. The Nobel laureate, Sir C.V. Raman is credited for the discovery of the principles of Raman spectroscopy.

Applications of Raman spectroscopy in the bladder, renal, prostate, and other urological disorders were gathered from Medline and abstracts from recent international urological meetings. Current status and future directions of Raman spectroscopy in urology were also reviewed.

Raman spectroscopic technology is used to interrogate biological tissues. The potential use of this technology in urology has shown encouraging results in the in vitro diagnosis and grading of cancers of the bladder and the prostate. Raman microprobes have been used for the characterization and identification of renal lithiasis. Technology may be available for the urologists to determine the margin status intraoperatively during partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy. The future would see the development of optical fiber probes to incorporate them into catheters, endoscopes, and laparoscopes that will enable the urologist to obtain information during the operation.

Raman spectroscopy is an exciting tool for real-time diagnosis and in vivo evaluation of living tissue. The potential applications of Raman spectroscopy may herald a new future in the management of various malignant, premalignant, and other benign conditions in urology.