Neodymium-YAG laser in the treatment of localized prostatic cancer.

Transurethral resection with subsequent Neodymium-YAG laser irradiation is introduced as a method for radical treatment of localized prostatic cancer. 101 patients are treated and follow up ranges 6-81 months. 90 patients are evaluated as disease-free survivors. The actuarial disease-free survival rates are 98% on one year, 90% on 2 years, 88% on 3 years and 86% in the 4-7 year period. Six patients developed distant metastases and 5 patients had local tumor recurrence. The treatment procedure is simple and without serious complications.