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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffProstate laser surgery is a minimally invasive procedure to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). During prostate laser surgery, a laser is used to remove prostate tissue that blocks urine flow.
Alternatives to prostate laser surgery include medications, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), transurethral needle ablation (TUNA) and open prostatectomy. Prostate laser surgery has been developed to speed treatment and recovery while avoiding complications that can occur with other types of prostate surgery.
There are several types of lasers and laser surgery used in prostate laser surgery. All lasers work the same way, using concentrated light to generate precise and intense heat. The type of prostate laser surgery your doctor will use depends on several factors, including the size and location of your prostate enlargement, the type of laser equipment available, and your doctor's training.
- AUA guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia: Diagnosis and treatment recommendations. Baltimore, Md.: American Urological Association. http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines/main-reports/bph-management/chapt_1_appendix.pdf. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Fried NM. New laser treatment approaches for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Current Urology Reports. 2007;8:47.
- Fitzpatrick JM, et al. Minimally invasive and endoscopic management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/125743340-3/0/1445/91.html?tocnode=54305416&fromURL=91.html. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Kuntz R. Current role of lasers in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). European Urology. 2006;49:961.
- Kuo RL, et al. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): A technical update. World Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2003;1:6. http://www.wjso.com/content/1/1/6. Accessed March 12, 2009.
- Alivizatos C, et al. Greenlight laser in benign prostatic hyperplasia: Turning green into gold. Current Opinion in Urology. 2008,18:46.
- Daehlin L, et al. Interstitial laser coagulation in the management of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of bladder outlet obstruction from benign prostatic hyperplasia: Long-term follow-up. BJU International. 2007;100:89.
- Edwards JL. Diagnosis and management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. American Family Physician. 2008;77:1403.
