Current Bladder Dysfunction Reports Thulium Laser Prostatectomy

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to summarize the literature on safety and efficacy of minimally invasive thulium laser procedures for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Recent studies have confirmed long-term safety and efficacy of thulium laser prostatectomy. There has been recent literature published from around the world confirming safety and efficacy in treatment of large prostates, obese patients, and in patients taking oral anticoagulation. Newer thulium laser systems use a wavelength of 1.9μm instead of 2 μm. Thus far, no clinical differences have been seen in outcomes of thulium laser procedures done with this wavelength. The high-power thulium laser was first introduced in 2005 for treatment of BPH [1]. Thulium vapoenucleation (ThuVEP), thulium laser resection of the prostate-tangerine technique (TmLRP), thulium laser enucleation (ThuLEP), and thulium vaporization (ThuVP) are techniques for thulium laser prostatectomy that have been described. Studies using the 70W to 200W thulium laser systems demonstrated good efficacy of these procedures with low morbidity and few complications in prostates of small to medium sizes [2]. Comparative studies have been published comparing thulium laser prostatectomy to monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), bipolar TURP, and holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) [1]. In general, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to have longer operative times, shorter catheterization times, shorter hospital stay, and lower transfusion rates compared to standard and bipolar TURP. Outcomes of HoLEP and thulium enucleation techniques appear to be similar. Overall, thulium laser prostatectomy appears to be very safe and effective with low morbidity [3].