Holmium laser resection of bladder tumors: 34 cases report / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To evaluate the clinical experience in the treatment of the bladder cancer with holmium laser. Methods From June 2001 to June 2002, a total of 34 cases of transitional cell bladder carcinoma, including 30 male and 4 female, with clinical stage T 1 to T 2a and grade I to Ⅱ, were treated with holmium laser. A 550um end firing fiber was delivered through 21 Fr cystoscopy and power(1 to 1.5 J) was delivered at 15 to 40 pulses per second. Results Bladder tumors were resected easily in 26 cases with holmium laser. In 7 cases it was supplemented with TURBT. Only in one case, holmium laser treatment was given up because of continuous bleeding. The patient was then treated with partial cystectomy. Laser operating time ranged form 5min to 60min, mean 20min. Side effects such as uncontrollable bleeding, perforation of bladder, and obturator nerve reflection were not found. 30 cases were followed up for 3 to 12 months, and tumor recurrence were found in 3 cases. Conclusion Holmium laser resection of bladder tumors is a safe, effective, simple method with less side effects. But the field of vision will be obscure unless continuous irrigation is given during operation.