[The Ho-YAG laser in surgical urology]

Ho-YAG laser (Medoptotech) operates in impulse regimen with transmission of radiation along the fiber 400-600 microns in diameter (mean power 12 W, impulse rate 1-15 Hz, energy of 1 impulse 0.7-1.5 J, its duration 300 microseconds. These parameters provide the effect of intensive biotissue evaporation, dissection of contact tissue, disintegration of concrements, hemostasis. Ho-YAG laser was employed for treatment of 8 patients with urethral polyp, 4 with stricture of the bladder neck and urethra, 5 with prostatic adenoma, 12 with bladder tumor, 10 with ureterolith, 5 with uroliths, 4 with penile lesions, 2 with ureteral stricture, 4 with ureterocele. Ho-YAG laser was used primarily for endoscopic interventions. Its use for open surgery is also promising. Further practical experience with Ho-YAG laser will provide additional information on its indications in urological diseases.