The effect of popcorn and carbonization on neodymium: YAG laser dosimetry in the canine model

Neodymium:YAG laser irradiation of the canine prostate provides an experimental model for the study of the laser-tissue interaction in laser prostatectomy. Prostate irradiation was undertaken using right-angle-firing laser fibers through an open suprapubic cystotomy, and the procedure was monitored by video endoscopy via a perineal urethrostomy. The effects of popcorn and surface carbonization on intraprostatic heating profiles were determined by interstitial thermometry. We found that popcorn reduced intraprostatic temperatures but that continued irradiation resulted in the restoration of heating. Carbonization resulted in the loss of heating ability deep in the prostate. These observations allow the urologist to understand the thermal implications of observed surface change and to modify lasing parameters during surgery to obtain the desired laser-tissue interaction.