Use of contact laser crystal tip firing Nd:YAG to relieve urinary outflow obstruction in male neurogenic bladder patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic urologic procedures for transurethral prostatectomy (TURP), external sphincterotomy (TURS), bladder neck incision, and incising strictures using diathermy have resulted in excessive bleeding and risk of hyponatremia. This presentation is a review of a methodology developed to evaluate the use of contact laser crystal firing Nd:YAG laser. Details of the technique are presented. RESULTS: A review of 129 patients following laser TURS with 34% of these patients also needing TURP and 29% of patients also requiring TUIP has been done. Following contact laser endoscopic surgery, the catheter was removed in 24 hours. There was minimal to nil haemorrhage perioperatively and secondary haemorrhage was absent. CONCLUSIONS: The technique employing contact laser crystal provides an easy TURP, TURS, and stricture ablation. Follow up indicates durable results.