EDITORIAL

In this very comprehensive text, the authors have undertaken to provide the urologist with an excellent introduction into the broad horizon of lasers in Urology. Over the past 20 years, laser physics has undergone a transformation from a technology "looking for an application" to mainstream clinical application. Today, the laser, be it Holmium, Nd:YAG, or KTP, plays a prominent role in many urological disciplines: urolithiasis, upper tract obstruction, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and transicional cell cancer. The myriad chapters herein, cover each of these areas in detail while providing the reader with a broader view of both laser physics and the potential complications that may be encountered when using the laser. In sum, this book is of great value in enabling more and more urologist to "come into the light" much to the benefit of their patients.

Prof. Ralph V. Clayman