Endoscopic management via retrograde ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC)has become the preferred treatment modality for low-risk tumors.The most popular ablative lasers over the past...Endoscopic management via retrograde ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC)has become the preferred treatment modality for low-risk tumors.The most popular ablative lasers over the past 15-20 years have been the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet(Ho∶YAG)and neodymium(Nd∶YAG)lasers,but recently the thulium(Th∶YAG)laser has emerged as a potential alternative.This review compares the mechanism of action,physiological properties and effects,and oncologic outcomes of Ho∶YAG/Nd∶YAG lasers versus the Th∶YAG laser for UTUC treatment.Potential advantages of the Th∶YAG laser over existing technologies are outlined,followed by a discussion of emerging laser technologies in UTUC management.展开更多
文摘Endoscopic management via retrograde ureteroscopic laser ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma(UTUC)has become the preferred treatment modality for low-risk tumors.The most popular ablative lasers over the past 15-20 years have been the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet(Ho∶YAG)and neodymium(Nd∶YAG)lasers,but recently the thulium(Th∶YAG)laser has emerged as a potential alternative.This review compares the mechanism of action,physiological properties and effects,and oncologic outcomes of Ho∶YAG/Nd∶YAG lasers versus the Th∶YAG laser for UTUC treatment.Potential advantages of the Th∶YAG laser over existing technologies are outlined,followed by a discussion of emerging laser technologies in UTUC management.