Laser Application in Iran Urology: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Medical Technology
• Laser Applications

Background:

• Laser technology has a 40-year history in medicine, with significant applications in urology over the past two decades.
• Common urological uses include treating urolithiasis, bladder tumors, benign prostatic enlargement (BPH), genital lesions, and urethral strictures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review and evaluate the application of laser technology in urology within Iran.
• To identify trends and the extent of laser use in Iranian urological literature from 1990 to 2017.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of all available Iranian literature on laser applications in urology was conducted.
• Studies were included regardless of publication status or language, covering the period 1990-2017.

Main Results:

• Twenty-six relevant articles were identified, focusing on urolithiasis (12 studies) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (8 studies).
• Other topics included prostate cancer, female urethral stricture, case reports, reviews, and basic science studies.
• The review indicated limited adoption of laser technology in Iranian urology.

Conclusions:

• Laser technology has not yet achieved widespread adoption in Iranian urology.
• Key barriers include difficult accessibility to laser devices and accessories, and insufficient knowledge among the medical community regarding this modality.