title: Use of Holmium:YAG laser to facilitate removal of intravesical foreign bodies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Foreign bodies in the bladder present a challenge to the urologist. Previously, endoscopic extraction, with or without perineal urethrotomy, or open cystotomy were the only treatment choices. We describe a novel use of the Ho:YAG laser for the removal of intravesical foreign bodies. We further tested the laser on objects that have been reported in the literature to necessitate open cystotomy to determine their suitability for endoscopic removal.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Ho:YAG laser is introduced through the cystoscope and used to cut large foreign bodies into a size that can be extracted through the urethra. We tested the Ho:YAG laser ex vivo on other objects that have been reported as intravesical foreign bodies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We removed a large complex foreign body with the laser that would otherwise have necessitated open cystotomy. No injury or sequela was observed. Many commonly reported intravesical foreign objects seem amenable to similar treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The Ho:YAG laser should be considered for use to facilitate removal of foreign bodies from the bladder.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama 35209, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wyatt
authors.forename: Lee N
authors.initials: LN
authors.lastname: Hammontree
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003558:Cystoscopy; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D014521:Urethra; D001743:Urinary Bladder / Q000601:surgery*