Installation and use of a neodymium-YAG laser in a urology department

We report our experience in setting up a urological laser unit. An operating theatre was upgraded to include the required safety features and a neodymium-YAG laser was installed. A preliminary study using cadaver bladders was performed to establish the technique of cystoscopic laser application. We treated 55 bladder tumours in 12 patients by laser coagulation, with total destruction of 54 tumours and no serious complications; 6 patients developed recurrent tumours. Twenty-one patients underwent surgery with the contact laser scalpel. The instrument proved slow but effective, with excellent haemostasis and almost painless wounds. Healing was delayed in 2 cases but there were no wound infections. All wounds healed with good cosmetic scars. The neodymium-YAG laser is an effective means of destroying superficial non-invasive bladder tumours endoscopically and can also be used in conjunction with a laser scalpel for open surgery.