Laser coagulation prostatectomy: evolution of clinical practice and treatment parameters.

Laser coagulation prostatectomy has evolved into an accepted option for the management of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinical results document the safety and efficacy of this operation. Rapidly expanding clinical experience and basic research efforts in recent years have provided a scientific foundation and an improved qualitative understanding of the laser-tissue interactions during Nd:YAG laser coagulation of the prostate. Today, truly quantitative laser dosimetry is becoming available to guide the operative approaches to laser prostatectomy with the increasing variety of Nd:YAG delivery systems. The development of laser coagulation prostatectomy is traced to the present, and accumulated clinical experience and laboratory data are incorporated into a rational approach to operative and perioperative patient management utilizing this technology.