Laser treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy

Abstract

— Laser treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) has gradually become more widespread over the last few years. In the USA it is considered an alternative to endoscopic resection as far as insurance payments are concerned. Different methods are used but the most common and suitable one for urologists is the removal and coagulation of the prostatic tissue under visual control (VLAP or ELAP). The Authors report their personal experience in this type of treatment where good results are due to: 1) combination of a powerful, stable laser source 2) durable side-emission contact fibre 3) laser resector, which also in the absence of epicystostomy maintains a good flow during the operation. However, “laser resection” should still be considered an experimental procedure to be used for randomised protocols or on selected patients (high risk of bleeding, Jehovah's witnesses, carriers of pace-maker, etc.).