Laser surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of lasers in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

METHODS

A literature review was conducted using the Medline database with the keywords prostate and laser. Various articles were selected to perform a narrative review focusing on the main risks associated with laser use in urology.

RESULTS

The lasers used for the treatment of BPH include Ho:YAG, continuous or pulsed Tm:YAG, thulium fiber laser, Greenlight KTP or LBO laser, and diode lasers. Numerous surgical techniques, some specific to a given type of laser, are described in this review. Lasers provide outcomes comparable to other energy sources, with an advantageous profile in terms of peri- and postoperative complications. Lasers are therefore progressively establishing themselves as the reference energy, regardless of the surgical technique employed.

CONCLUSION

Despite favorable results, further studies are required to better define the role of lasers in the surgical management of BPH, particularly through randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up, which should help optimize treatment.