The results of holmium laser resection of the prostate.

Abstract

To assess the results of holmium-laser resection of the prostate (HOLRP) in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Between 1994 and 1997, 967 patients underwent HOLRP in Tauranga, New Zealand, and in Derby, United Kingdom. The patients were followed at 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment using measurements of symptom score and urinary flow rate. There was a large and sustained improvement in symptom scores and urinary flow rates, with no mortality and low morbidity. We recommend this technique as an alternative to transurethral resection in the surgical treatment of bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy.