Photodynamic diagnostic ureterorenoscopy with orally administered 5-aminolaevulinic acid as photosensitiser: how I do it

• Published in: Urologia internationalis Vol. 93; no. 4; p. 384
• Main Authors: Kata, Slawomir G, Nabi, Ghulam, Eljamel, Sam, Chlosta, Piotr, Moseley, Harry, Aboumarzouk, Omar M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 2014
• Subjects: Administration, Oral; Aminolevulinic Acid - administration & dosage; Contraindications; Equipment Design; Humans; Photosensitizing Agents - administration & dosage; Predictive Value of Tests; Ureteroscopes; Ureteroscopy - instrumentation; Ureteroscopy - methods; Urologic Neoplasms - diagnosis
• ISSN: 1423-0399
• DOI: 10.1159/000360228

To explain our use of photodynamic diagnostic ureterorenoscopy, we provide a detailed description of the choice of photosensitiser, equipment needed, a safety profile, and pointers on our technique. Patients are given oral 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA) as a photosensitiser 3-4 h pre-operatively, and by using a Xenon blue light source, an eyepiece which blocks light below 450 nm which is fitted onto the ureterorenoscope, we are able to conduct a thorough photodiagnosis of the upper urinary tract. Our technique of photodynamic diagnostic ureterorenoscopy has shown that the sensitivity, specificity and detection rates of upper urinary tract lesions can be significantly increased with the use of oral 5-ALA. Therefore, we provide a detailed explanation of the use of oral 5-ALA photosensitiser, indications and contraindications of the technique in addition to equipment used and potential complications of the procedures.