Laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

To evaluate the role of lasers that allow acute removal of obstructing tissue in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A MEDLINE search over the last 6 years focused on randomized trials, large case series and review articles. A total of more than 4,000 patients were analyzed with respect to the morbidity and outcome, and the advantages and disadvantages of the various lasers. Laser treatment of BPH has evolved from coagulation to enucleation. Blood loss is significantly reduced as compared to transurethral resection and open prostatectomy. Ablative/vaporizing techniques have recently become popular again with the marketing of new high-powered 80 W potassium-titanyl-phosphate (KTP) and 100 W holmium lasers. Vaporization immediately removes obstructing tissue, but tissue specimen cannot be obtained. KTP short-term results are promising, but long-term results and randomized trials are lacking. Postoperative volume reduction is less than with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), and the KTP laser can be used for BPH treatment only. HoLEP allows whole lobes of the prostate to be removed. Prostates of all sizes can be operated on. It is at least as safe and effective as TURP and open prostatectomy, with significantly lower morbidity, as shown by several well-designed randomized clinical trials. It provides specimen for histological evaluation. In addition, the holmium laser can be used for the endourological treatment of stones, strictures and tumors. HoLEP appears to be a size-independent new "gold standard" in the surgical treatment of BPH.