Dosimetry of the neodymium-YAG laser in urological applications.

Animal experiments were carried out to optimize laser parameters for the treatment of superficial bladder tumors. The most important parameter affecting laser therapy is temperature. During intravesical irradiation of rabbit bladders, spatial and temporal temperature profiles on the bladder serosa were displayed. With these results adequate and safe treatment of bladder tumors is possible. We were unable to find any reduction in the hydrostatic capacity within the physiological range of bladder filling after laser irradiation of even 30% of the wall. Large diverticula developed within the first days after treatment, but had almost disappeared after 40 days.