Rectal temperature monitoring during neodymion-YAG laser irradiation for prostatic carcinoma

Neodymion-YAG laser irradiation is a new and promising method for curative treatment of localized prostatic carcinoma. The laser light energy is transformed into heat within the tissue, and there is a risk of unintended damage to neighbouring organs. In seven patients the temperature in the rectal mucosa was monitored during the laser irradiation of the prostatic capsule. The temperatures did not increase to dangerous levels. According to a standardized irradiation procedure based on experiences gained in this study 47 patients have been treated without complications.