Laser Ablation of the Prostate in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy

TLDR

New delivery systems may make laser ablation a practical alternative to TURP. Since 1990, we have used a prototype deflecting gold alloy tip on a quartz laser fibre (Lateralase TM) to ablate obstructing prostatic adenoma and constricting bladder neck tissue. Seventeen patients with bladder‑neck obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy were treated with Neodymium: YAG laser, demonstrating that the procedure is simple, speedy, virtually blood‑loss‑free, and may benefit a defined patient subgroup compared with TURP.

Abstract

Summary— Seventeen patients with bladder neck obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy have been treated with the Neodymium: YAG laser. We review our experience since the first patient was treated in September 1990. Using a prototype deflecting gold alloy tip on a quartz laser fibre (Lateralase TM), we ablated obstructing prostatic adenoma and constricting bladder neck tissue. Experience with this technique has enabled a patient population to be defined in whom laser therapy for prostatic obstruction may be effective. The treatment is relatively simple, speedy and attended by virtually no blood loss. Laser ablation therapy may offer some advantages over conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a selected subgroup of patients. The advent of new delivery systems may make laser ablation therapy a practical alternative to TURP.