Direct Vision Internal Urethrotomy with Application of Holmium: YAG Laser

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Male urethral stricture is a complicated urologic disease that could be successfully treated using internal urethrotomy. Laser internal urethrotomy has been used in many cases with favorable outcome in many studies. Holmium: YAG laser with its incisional properties on tissue is one of the laser types applied for internal urethrotomy.METHODS: We present a ۱۹ year-old male with history of aortic valve stenosis and metallic aortic valvoplasty on prescription of oral anti-coagulant therapy (Warfarin) who was a candidate for internal urethrotomy due to bulbar urethral stricture. Holmium laser core-through urethrotomy was performed for him.RESULTS: Internal urethrotomy was done using the ablative ۵۰-watt Holmium: YAG laser ۲۱۴۰ nm (manufactured by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran [AEOI]). No complication was observed intra- and post-operatively. After ۶ months of followup no evidence of urethral stricture was observed.CONCLUSION: According to our study, Ho-YAG laser core through urethrotomy is a safe and effective procedure. It is a less invasive alternative to more complex urethroplasty procedures for patients with post-traumatic urethral stricture with high risk of urethral bleeding due to anti-coagulant therapy Keywords: urethra urethral strictures holmium-YAG lasers lasers solid-state