The Use of the Holmium Laser in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Abstract

The holmium wavelength (2.1 μm) can be used for incision, ablation, and resection of prostate tissue. Four different techniques for the surgical management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have evolved using the holmium laser either alone or in combination with Nd:YAG energy. The results in 650 patients undergoing these procedures are presented. The holmium laser has been used most recently to perform a transurethral resection of the prostate in 381 patients to date. This procedure appears to be the most efficient way of using the holmium laser for the removal of obstructing prostatic tissue.