Use of the potassium titanyl phosphate laser in the laparoscopic anterior rectum slicing operation.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser used during the laparoscopic anterior rectum slicing (LARS) operation.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan.

PATIENT(S): All 46 patients who underwent the LARS operation using the KTP laser.

INTERVENTION(S): The LARS operation using the KTP laser for treatment of deep rectal endometriosis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Operative and postoperative outcome.

RESULT(S): Meaningful improvements in clinical symptoms were obtained with the LARS operation using the KTP laser with acceptable levels of postoperative morbidity. Bowel leakage did not occur in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION(S): Deep rectal endometriosis can be treated effectively with the LARS operation using the KTP laser.