[Initial experiences with the neodym YAG laser in urology]

The present study reports the therapeutic results obtained by using neodym-YAG laser for the coagulation of tumours of the external genitals (n = 30), as well as for endoscopic laser treatment of tumours of the bladder (n = 32) and the urethra (n = 2). Despite the small number of cases, laser treatment of bladder tumours (observation period 6-33 months) appears to reduce the orthotopic recurrence rate, which is in aggrement with other publications. However, randomized studies will be necessary to prove the advantages of the above-mentioned method as compared with electroresection. Neodym-YAG laser also appears to be a valuable extension of the urological therapeutic armamentarium for external application, especially in penile carcinoma at stage T1 + T2, N0, M0.