Korean J Urol.  2013 Jun;54(6):351-358.

Review of Current Laser Therapies for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

• Osterberg
• Choi BB

Abstract

The gold standard for symptomatic relief of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia has traditionally been a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Over the past decade, however, novel laser technologies that rival the conventional TURP have multiplied. As part of the ongoing quest to minimize complications, shorten hospitalization, improve resection time, and most importantly reduce mortality, laser prostatectomy has continually evolved. Today, there are more variations of laser prostatectomy, each with several differing surgical techniques. Although abundant data are available confirming the safety and feasibility of the various laser systems, future randomized-controlled trials will be necessary to verify which technique is superior. In this review, we describe the most common modalities used to perform a laser prostatectomy, mainly, the holmium laser and the potassium-titanyl-phosphate lasers. We also highlight the physical and clinical characteristics of each technology with a review of the most current and highest-quality literature.

Keyword

Laser surgery; Lower urinary tract symptoms; Prostatic hyperplasia; Transurethral prostatectom

MeSH Terms

Hospitalization
Laser Therapy
Lasers, Solid-State
Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Prostate
Prostatectomy
Prostatic Hyperplasia
Transurethral Resection of Prostate
Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction