TREATMENT OF EXTENSIVE URETHRAL HEMANGIOMA WITH KTP 532 LASER/

Background and Objective: Urethral hemangiomas are rare. They vary in size from pinpoint masses to extensive honeycomb-shape deformities lea ding to significant hematuria. For extensive lesions, therapeutic opti ons have included extensive surgical resection and reconstruction or m ultistaged neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser photocoagu lation. We report our experience with the use of potassium titanyl pho sphate (KTP/532) laser for treatment of the extensive form. Study Desi gn/Materials and Methods: A 7-year-old boy presented with a a-week his tory of urethral bleeding. He had extensive hemangiomas of the genital and perineal regions. Cystourethroscopy disclosed diffusely scattered honeycomb-shape hemangiomatous malformation of the anterior urethra. KTP/532 laser energy was delivered transurethrally to the hemangiomato us areas until they blanched. Results: The Foley catheter was removed 24 hours postoperatively, and the patient voided clear urine without d ifficulty. He has remained trouble-free for more than 2 years. Conclus ion: Judicious endoscopic single-stage therapy with KTP/532 laser may obviate open surgical intervention in most cases of extensive and symp tomatic urethral hemangiomas. In view of our observation and the liter ature, KTP/532 laser therapy should be considered the first line of tr eatment. (C) 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.