For which procedure would a YAG laser be most commonly used?

The YAG laser, specifically the Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser, is most commonly used in urological procedures for stone removal. This is due to its ability to effectively fragment kidney stones, ureteral stones, and other calculi, allowing them to be passed more easily or removed through endoscopic techniques. The high energy of the laser can break down stones into smaller pieces without the need for invasive surgery, making it a preferred choice in urology.

In contrast, the other procedures listed do not typically utilize the YAG laser. Cholecystectomy, for example, involves the surgical removal of the gallbladder and is generally performed via laparoscopic techniques or open surgery without the need for laser intervention. Cardiac catheterization is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain heart conditions, which relies on catheters and imaging rather than laser technology. Lastly, laparoscopic hernia repair focuses on the surgical correction of hernias through minimally invasive techniques and is not associated with the use of lasers for tissue management.