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The 980 nm Ceralas D50 diode laser, produces homogeneous lesions on tissues of different nature. In our endourological tests we used the Ceralas D50 coupled with Comeg 24 ch laser resectoscope, and we treated 22 patients: n.5 bladder cancers, n.3 uretero pelvic junction obstructions, with hydronephrosis, n.3 urethra stenosis, n1 ureter stenosis, n.4 multiple upper tract transitional cell carcinomas, n.6 BPH treatments with VLAP modalities. Using the 1000 micrometers delivery fibers with different shaped tips, we obtained a bloodless sharp cut and easily vaporizations with minimum carbonizations, with power output in the range of 8-12 W, and 18-24W for VLAP.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Optical fiber systems with lateral emission of laser radiation are currently used for laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They can be classified in reflective or refractive systems in which a mirror or a prism, respectively, is connected to the fiber tip. Both systems are disposable making the cost of treatment too high. An alternative solution for refractive systems is the prismatic cut of the fiber tip. A side fiber of this type was conceived at the Department of Chemical Physics of the University of Venice and then patented. An Olympus 27ch transurethral resectoscope was also modified for use with our side fiber as well as with the resecting blade. Our modified resectoscope with a Nd-YAG laser has been clinically used for the laser treatment of BPH (6 cases), as well as in high risk patients with bulky bleeding bladder tumors (4 cases), and in transitional tumors of the prostate infiltrating the parenchyma (2 cases). Laser treatment with our resectoscope resembles traditional endoscopic treatment, guarantees the precision of fiber tip translation, and permits combined treatments with laser and traditional blade.

Laser lithotripsy is based on laser induced plasma formation. Successful stone fragmenting is dependent on power density at the fiber tip in contact with the stone and on the absorption of laser radiation by the stone itself. The use of the laser has been ineffective in the treatment of hard stones and of stones that absorb only minimal amounts of laser radiation. In our experimental and clinical studies we used Rifamycin (Rifocin) as a photosensitizer for the pulsed Dye laser and Sterile Indocyanine Green (Cardio Green) for the pulsed Alexandrite laser. We found that the use of these substances significantly increased the effectiveness of the laser in the treatment of those stones.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.