[Experience using the laser rod in urological surgery].

The clinical use of a new surgical tool the "Laser Rod" is presented. This rod is made of ceramics and utilizes a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-YAG) laser. With the Laser Rod, the surgeon can cut tissue by mechanical contact and still feel the resistance from the target tissue. In this study, this device has been used in various urological surgical procedures, such as nephrolithotomy, retropubic prostatectomy, ileocecal conduit diversion, urethroplasty and circumcision of the penis. Our results showed that laser surgery using this device, enables bloodless incision with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. In conclusion, the Laser Rod will probably be very useful in urological surgery, and its indications should be expanded through further study.