Morphological change in the urothelium after electrohydraulic versus pulsed dye laser lithotripsy

Abstract

To observe morphological changes in the urothelium after exposure to laser beam and electrohydraulic spark. The pulse dye laser lithotripter (MDL-2, Candela Corporation, Boston, USA) and the electrohydraulic lithotripter (AEH-2, Circon ACMI Corporation Stamford, USA) were used directly on the bladder mucosa in six pigs. Immediately after treatment, the bladder mucosa was prepared for light microscopic and scanning electron microscopic examination. Both electrohydraulic spark and laser beam caused mucosal denudation, submucosal swelling and haemorrhage. There was a positive correlation between the degree of urothelial damage and the power and pulse numbers applied. Direct contact of the urothelium in patients treated with laser beam or electrohydraulic spark should be avoided.