Lasers in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Laser treatment of men with BPH remains in its infancy. To date, a large number of techniques and devices have been developed and investigated to varying degrees. Each laser system that is utilized in a unique fashion must be evaluated individually, since tissue effects may vary significantly with minor changes in technique or technology. Overall, it appears that the majority of men treated by laser prostatectomy experience objective and subjective improvement with short-term follow-up. In most cases, further direct comparisons with TURP with longer follow-up are needed to assess adequately the relative efficacy and morbidity of laser therapy. Although early results are promising and technologic advances are likely to improve further the results seen with laser treatment of men with BPH, it may be premature to relegate TURP to the history books.