The use of neodymium-YAG lasers in urology: indications, technique and critical assessment

After development and experimental approval of suitable equipment for endoscopic and external use, the neodymium-YAG laser has been used routinely to treat tumors of the bladder and external genitalia in our department. A 2-year followup of 60 patients revealed a significant decrease in local bladder tumor recurrence (5 per cent). Successful laser therapy also was applied in cases of stage T1/T2 penile carcinomas, female urethral carcinomas and condylomata acuminata. Laser application offers an additional useful therapeutic procedure in the treatment of urological malignancies.