{"title":"Analysis of the Temperature Elevation of the Dual-Wavelength Diode Laser and the Er, Cr: YSGG Laser in Oral Soft Tissue Incisions","authors":"Alaa Jamal Al-Ani, Ammar Saleh Al-Alawi, Hanan Jafer Taher","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.37","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.37","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Lasers are one of the most advantageous tools that have been used in a variety of medical fields. Soft tissue management is an important part of oral and maxillofacial surgery. There are different surgical procedures for management; one of them is laser surgery. The purpose of this study was to compare the dual-wavelength diode laser and the Er, Cr: YSGG laser to choose the most effective laser for a soft tissue incision in oral and maxillofacial surgery regarding temperature elevation. Methods: A dual-wavelength diode laser (810 and 980 nm) with 1.5 W and 2.5 W power outputs and an Er, Cr: YSGG (2780 nm) with 2.5 W and 3.5 W power outputs were used to make 50 incisions in six freshly dissected sheep tongues. The temperature means were measured at initial, maximum temperatures, as well as the temperature rise (difference between initial and maximum), and all were compared between the groups of soft tissue. Results: The lowest mean temperature rise was observed with a 2.5 W Er, Cr: YSGG laser, and the highest mean temperature rise was observed with a 2.5 W diode laser, and all samples from the two lasers showed a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the temperature rise except the 1.5 W diode, which is higher but not statistically significantly different from the 3.5 W Er, Cr: YSGG laser (P=0.100). Conclusion: The power output of 2.5 W of an Er, Cr: YSGG laser produced low levels of temperature rise compared to a diode laser and produced surgical incisions with a lower probability of heat damage to surrounding tissues.","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"52 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135867001","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Therapeutic Effects of Low-Level Laser on Male Infertility: A Systematic Review","authors":"Amirreza Eghbaldoost, Seyed Pooria Salehi Mashhadsari, Erfan Ghadirzadeh, Alireza Ghoreifi, Farzad Allameh","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.36","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.36","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) in the treatment of male infertility. Methods: We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, and the reference sections of relevant papers published from January 1, 2000 to September 23, 2022. We retrieved all publications related to the impact of PBM on male infertility. After reviewing the titles, abstracts, and full texts, we included fifteen papers in the research. The studies involved 477 semen samples (in vitro studies) and 70 male participants (randomized clinical trials). Results: All 14 in vitro studies that evaluated effectiveness reported that PBM was successful in increasing the proportion of progressive sperms in semen samples. Various methods were used to evaluate the safety. One study with a sample size of 58 concluded that PBM was not a safe treatment, whereas the other ten studies confirmed its safety. Only one clinical trial evaluated the effect of laser acupuncture on male infertility and found improvements in sperm progressive motility without any serious adverse effects. Conclusion: All 15 studies evaluating effectiveness reported that the low-level laser was effective for increasing the proportion of progressive sperm in semen samples and that it was safe to use. However, due to the heterogeneity of population characteristics, source characteristics, duration of exposure, sample size, and instruments for measuring safety and efficacy, we cannot conclude that the positive results obtained from the reviewed studies are solely attributable to the low-level laser on the sperm samples.","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"53 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135867125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Effect of the 1064 nm Nd: YAG Laser on the MICs of Antifungals Used in Clinical Practice for the Treatment of Fungal Nail Infections","authors":"Taraneh Razavyoon, Seyed Jamal Hashemi, Parvin Mansouri, Roshanak Daie Ghazvini, Sadegh Khodavaisy, Heydar Bakhshi, Saham Ansari, Zahra Rafat, Nahid Nikkhah, Bahram Mohajer, Shayesteh Razavyoon, Davoud Roostaei","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.35","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.35","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) involves 18%-40% of all nail disorders, which, although not fatal, can cause mechanical, aesthetic, occupational, and economic problems. Drug treatments due to prolonged treatment periods, drug interactions, adverse effects, and slow progression may associate with numerous negative outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser effect on fungal colonies and subsequently possible change in the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of common antifungals compared with the same non-lasered colonies as a novel way to investigate laser and antifungal interaction. Methods: Sixty onychomycosis samples consisting of saprophyte (n=20), dermatophyte (n=20), and yeast (n=20) duplicate colonies were isolated. A series was treated by a long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser. Afterward, the MIC (CLSI-M38-A2 and CLSI-M27-A3) of two series against common antifungals were compared. Results: After 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser irradiation in all 20 tested saprophytes, the MICs of terbinafine (P value<0.035) were changed, and in all 20 tested dermatophytes, the MICs of voriconazole (P value<0.021) were changed. Also, in all 20 tested yeasts, the MICs of caspofungin (P value<0.037) were changed. Moreover, in saprophytes, dermatophytes, and yeasts, significant changes in the MICs of itraconazole (P value<0.032), terbinafine (P value<0.025), and caspofungin (P value<0.037) were detected. Our result showed the GM MICs of the 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser in all saprophyte, dermatophyte, and yeast groups were lower than in the control group. Conclusion: The present study indicated that the long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser significantly changes the MICs of antifungals in onychomycosis clinical samples.","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135927646","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Evaluation of the Effects of Photodynamic Therapy With Methylene Blue on Different <i>Candida</i> Species <i>In Vitro</i>","authors":"Faezeh Khozeimeh, Atefeh Tavangar, Mehdi Razaghi Abyaneh, Milad Amini, Marzieh Ghayour","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.34","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.34","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Oral candidiasis is the most prevalent opportunistic infection of the oral cavity. The most common cause of this infection is Candida albicans. Considering the side effects of conventional antifungal therapies, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue (a photosensitizer) in inhibiting the growth of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei in vitro. Methods: In this experimental study, 200 samples of standard suspension (0.5 McFarland) were prepared from C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, and C. krusei (50 samples from each species). The samples of each species were divided into five groups (n=10), including photodynamic therapy with a photosensitizer, with or without laser irradiation, nystatin treatment, laser therapy, and control. Next, cultivation of samples was performed on Sabouraud dextrose agar, and the colony-forming units were determined after 24 hours of incubation at 37 °C. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 22 by means of the Kruskal-Wallis test (P<0.05). Results: The most sensitive and resistant species to nystatin therapy were C. glabrata and C. krusei, respectively. On the other hand, C. krusei was the most sensitive species to photodynamic therapy, and C. glabrata was the most resistant type to this treatment. The highest therapeutic effectiveness was attributed to nystatin therapy, although photodynamic therapy was also effective. Laser therapy was recognized as the least effective method. Conclusion: Photodynamic therapy with new methylene blue, as a suitable adjunct therapy, can be effective in the management of candidiasis. It may also be a potential novel treatment for immunocompromised patients with oral candidiasis.","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"179 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"135256550","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Saeede Zadsirjan, Mohammad Asnaashari, Atoosa Yazdani, Soolmaz Heidari, Tina Estarami
{"title":"Effect of Photodynamic Therapy on the Pushout Bond Strength of Resin-Based and Calcium Silicate-Based Endodontic Sealers","authors":"Saeede Zadsirjan, Mohammad Asnaashari, Atoosa Yazdani, Soolmaz Heidari, Tina Estarami","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.33","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.33","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: This study aimed to assess the effect of photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the pushout bond strength (PBS) of resin-based and calcium silicate-based endodontic sealers. Methods: Forty single-canal teeth were assigned to four groups. After root canal preparation by the crown-down technique and smear layer removal, groups 1 and 2 served as the control group, and groups 3 and 4 underwent PDT by using a low-level diode laser as the light source and methylene blue as the photosensitizer (MB). The root canals in groups 1 and 3 were filled with AH26 sealer while the root canals in groups 2 and 4 were filled with Endoseal TCS. The samples were sectioned at 4, 8, and 12 mm from the apex tip (1mm thick slices). The PBS test was performed, and the mode of failure was determined in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds. The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman, and Dunn tests. Results: No significant difference was noted in the PBS of resin-based and calcium silicate-based sealers in the apical, middle, or coronal thirds in the application of PDT (P>0.05). The PBS of AH26 was significantly higher than that of Endoseal TCS (P<0.05). Cohesive failure was the dominant mode of failure in the AH26 groups, while mixed failure was the dominant failure mode in the Endoseal TCS groups. Conclusion: PDT had no significant effect on the PBS of resin-based and calcium silicate-based sealers.","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"10 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"136108358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Radiofrequency Therapy on Sexual Function in Female Cancer Survivors (Gynecologic and Breast) and Non-cancer Menopausal Women: A Single-Arm Trial.","authors":"Maliheh Arab, Mahshid Vasef, Maryam Talayeh, Maryam Sadat Hosseini, Farah Farzaneh, Tahereh Ashrafganjoei","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.32","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.32","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Up to 90% of postmenopausal women and female cancer survivors may be affected by the genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), with a negative impact on sexual function and quality of life. A novel energy-based device among the treatment options for GSM is radiofrequency therapy (RFT). RFT is a treatment option that uses energy from radio waves to heat the tissue. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of RFT on sexual function in female cancer survivors (gynecologic and breast) and non-cancer menopausal women. <b>Methods:</b> In a single-arm prospective trial, the efficacy of RFT in both female cancer survivors (gynecologic and breast) and non-cancer menopausal women with sexual dysfunction at a tertiary and referral center (Imam Hossein Medical Center, Tehran, Iran) was evaluated between April 2022 and December 2022. The study protocol consisted of 3 monthly RFT sessions. Examination was performed at baseline (T0) and 3 months after the last RFT session (T1). The primary outcome was sexual function, which was assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). In addition, adverse events were evaluated during treatment and at T1. <b>Results:</b> A total of 37 female cancer survivors (mean [SD] age: 49.4 [8.9] years) and 37 non-cancer menopausal women (mean [SD] age: 53.8 [5.5] years) were enrolled. Patients exposed to RFT showed a significant improvement in FSFI scores when compared to baseline scores for both female cancer survivors (13.07, 95% CI: 12.27 - 13.86) and non-cancer menopausal women (13.18, 95% CI: 12.34 - 14.03). There was no difference in FSFI total score improvement between the two groups (t<sub>(72)</sub>=0.06, <i>P</i>=0.951). There were no serious adverse events associated with RFT. <b>Conclusion:</b> The efficacy of RFT as a treatment for sexual dysfunction has been demonstrated in both non-cancer menopausal women and female cancer survivors. In both groups, a significant improvement was confirmed.</p>","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"14 ","pages":"e32"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517569/pdf/jlms-14-e32.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41131183","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Najmeh Malekzadeh Gonabadi, Mehdi Shamsara, Dor Mohammad Kordi Tamandani, Sahar Shojaei, Seyed Mehdi Alavi
{"title":"Different Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Proliferation of HT29 Cells in Culture and Xenograft Models.","authors":"Najmeh Malekzadeh Gonabadi, Mehdi Shamsara, Dor Mohammad Kordi Tamandani, Sahar Shojaei, Seyed Mehdi Alavi","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.31","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.31","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Different kinds of treatments have been developed to fight cancers. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), is a low-power monochromatic and coherent light that has been used successfully for healing injuries and combating malignancies. However, there are concerns about the application of LLLT to cancers due to the increased proliferation of some cancer cells after LLLT. <b>Methods:</b> This study investigated the effects of 650 nm and 870 nm lasers on the proliferation of HT29 colorectal cancer cell lines <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>. <b>Results:</b> The results showed that the laser with a wavelength of 870 nm did not meaningfully alter the proliferation of cultured cells. However, cell proliferation was promoted when the laser was applied within a wavelength of 650 nm. Treatment of HT29-derived tumors in nude mice with the 650 nm laser resulted in the decline of the tumor progression rate compared to controls. This result was inconsistent with the proliferative effects of the laser on the cultured cells. <b>Conclusion:</b> Cell behavior in response to LLLT might be different between cell culture and xenograft models.</p>","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"14 ","pages":"e31"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517571/pdf/jlms-14-e31.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41163667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ali A Aldalawi, Nursakinah Suardi, Naser Mahmoud Ahmed, Mahdi A S Al-Farawn, Mohammed Ali Dheyab, Wisam I Jebur, Faisal J Kadhim
{"title":"Comparison of Wavelength-Dependent Penetration Depth of 532 nm and 660 nm Lasers in Different Tissue Types.","authors":"Ali A Aldalawi, Nursakinah Suardi, Naser Mahmoud Ahmed, Mahdi A S Al-Farawn, Mohammed Ali Dheyab, Wisam I Jebur, Faisal J Kadhim","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.28","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.28","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> The depth of laser light penetration into tissue is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the optimal laser light penetration depth necessary for achieving maximum therapeutic outcomes in PDT remains unclear. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of laser light penetration depth at two specific wavelengths, 532 nm and 660 mm. <b>Methods:</b> Chicken and beef of different thicknesses (1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 mm±0.2 mm) were used as in vitro tissue models. The samples were subjected to irradiation by a low-level laser diode of 532 and 660 nm in continuous mode for 10 minutes. with power densities of 167 and 142 J/cm<sup>2</sup>, respectively. Laser light transmission through the tissue was measured using a power meter. <b>Results:</b> For beef samples, the 660 nm wavelength achieved a maximum transmission intensity of 30.7% at 1 cm thickness, while the 532 nm laser had a transmission intensity of 6.5%. Similarly, in chicken breast samples, the maximum transmission occurred at 1 cm thickness with 68.1% for the 660 nm wavelength and 18.2% for the 532 nm laser. <b>Conclusion:</b> Results consistently demonstrated a significant correlation (<i>P</i><0.05) between tissue thickness and laser light penetration. Thicker tissues exhibited faster declines in light transmission intensity compared to thinner tissues within 10 minutes. These findings highlight the importance of further research to enhance light delivery in thicker tissues and improve the efficacy of PDT in various medical conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"14 ","pages":"e28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517573/pdf/jlms-14-e28.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41114982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Bonnie Yudistha Anggawirya, Putri Hendria Wardhani, Diah Mira Indramaya, Muhammad Yulianto Listiawan
{"title":"Combination of Fractional Er:YAG Laser, Pulsed Dye Laser, and Intralesional Triamcinolone With 5-Fluorouracil for Keloid Treatment.","authors":"Bonnie Yudistha Anggawirya, Putri Hendria Wardhani, Diah Mira Indramaya, Muhammad Yulianto Listiawan","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.30","DOIUrl":"10.34172/jlms.2023.30","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Benign fibroproliferative scars that are larger than the initial lesion are called keloids. Keloids treatment in clinical practice is still difficult. Although there are various therapy choices, none is embraced by everyone or is relapse-free. Various treatment modalities such as intralesional corticosteroid injection with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), fractional Er:YAG laser, pulsed dye laser (PDL), and others can be used either as monotherapies or combined therapies. Therefore, efforts should be made to select the treatment that will provide the best results. <b>Case Presentation:</b> A 6-year-old boy with keloids on the lower lips extending to the chin was successfully treated with a 2940-nm fractional Er:YAG laser alternated with a 595-nm long-PDL followed by the combined intralesional injection of corticosteroid and 5-FU. The patient was followed up for 1 year with no lesion recurrence. <b>Conclusion:</b> Our case supports a combined therapy to successfully treat a patient with a keloid on the chin. Therapy using a combination of these four modalities seems safe and effective and may have a synergistic effect with minimal downtime.</p>","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"14 ","pages":"e30"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517570/pdf/jlms-14-e30.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41135782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sorcha O'Meara, Stefanie Croghan, Fergal J O'Brien, Niall F Davis
{"title":"A Good Craftsperson Knows Their Tools: Understanding of Laser and Ureter Mechanics in Training Urologists.","authors":"Sorcha O'Meara, Stefanie Croghan, Fergal J O'Brien, Niall F Davis","doi":"10.34172/jlms.2023.29","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2023.29","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Recent decades have seen a move to minimally invasive techniques to manage urolithiasis. Trainees are expected to develop competency in common endourology procedures. Knowledge of ureter mechanics and the theory behind new technologies is important to ensure safe and efficient techniques. We aim to evaluate the exposure to endourology, self-reported competency in common techniques and knowledge of basic ureter biomechanics and technology in training urologists. <b>Methods:</b> An online survey was circulated to all training urologists in the Republic of Ireland. Questions focused on self-reported competency, clinical knowledge, ureter mechanical properties and laser technology. <b>Results:</b> Thirty responses were received with a range of 1-8 years of urology experience (mean=4 years). The respondents reported high levels of exposure to endourology with the majority reporting competency in flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) (n=18, 60%) and semi-rigid ureteroscopy (URS) (n=21, 70%). The respondents demonstrated good clinical knowledge but variable knowledge of laser settings, laser thermodynamics and ureter mechanics. Half of the respondents (n=15, 50%) correctly described fragmentation laser settings, with 10 trainees (n=33%) accurately identifying both factors that increase ureteral access sheath (UAS) insertion force. Most of the respondents (n=20, 67%) described the proximal ureter as the site with the greatest compliance, while the site of the greatest force during ureteroscope insertion was correctly identified by 17% (n=5). <b>Conclusion:</b> To our knowledge, this represents the first study evaluating urologist understanding of laser technology and the mechanical properties of the human ureter. Despite trainees reporting high levels of experience in endourology, there is a variable understanding of the principles of laser technology and ureter mechanics. Further research and education are needed with a focus on laser safety, suitable laser settings and the safe limit of insertion forces.</p>","PeriodicalId":16224,"journal":{"name":"Journal of lasers in medical sciences","volume":"14 ","pages":"e29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5,"publicationDate":"2023-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10517579/pdf/jlms-14-e29.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41122320","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}