A Comparative Study of Role of Holmium:YAG Laser Versus Electrocautery for Posterior Urethral Valve Fulguration in Paediatric Patients.

AIM: To compare role of Holmium:YAG laser versus electrocautery for Posterior urethral valve fulguration in paediatric patients.

SETTINGS AND

DESIGN

It was a Prospective Interventional study. All paediatric patients between day 3 of life to 12 years of age, undergoing posterior urethral valve fulguration and fulfilling inclusion criteria, over a period of 36 months were enrolled in the study starting from January 2018.

METHODS AND MATERIAL: Urethrocystoscopy and Posterior urethral valve fulguration was using an 8 Fr cystoscope using laser in group 1 and electrocautery in group 2.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi-square test was applied to look for any statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2.

RESULTS

We studied total 60 patients with 30 patients in each group. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to resolution of Vesicoureteric reflux and hydroureteronephrosis. Improvement in urinary stream and other symptoms were seen in 92 % in Group1 and 78 % in Group 2, refulguration was needed in 6.67 % in group 1 and 2, No Urethral stricture was detected in group 1 while it was found in 1 patient in group 2. The mean operative time in group 1 was shorter than group 2 (25 versus 40 min).

CONCLUSIONS

Holmium:YAG laser as energy source for PUV fulguration in paediatric patients is safe, feasible and effective as compared to electrocautery.