Healing of the Ureter after Nd:YAG Laser Coagulation: Morphologic and Physiological Aspects

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Current developments in endourologic equipment enable us to treat urothelial tumors of the ureter and renal pelvis by endoscopic means, including by application of laser energy. First clinical results are quite promising. However, questions relating to the laser dosage, the extent of the disturbance of the physiology of the ureter, the possible development of strictures, and thermal damage to neighboring organs have not been adequately answered. Physiological and histologic research methods were applied to the study of 12 rabbit ureters after local Nd:YAG laser treatment. Temperature at the outer wall of the ureter was measured by a thermocamera. Four to six weeks after a homogeneous transmural laser coagulation, almost complete healing of the lesion could be observed. The remaining histologic and physiological changes in the ureter were extremely slight and did not interfere with physiologic functions. The results make it easier to predict the effects of Nd:YAG laser coagulation on the ureter.