Enlarged Prostate: Laser TherapiesTopic OverviewSeveral laser methods for treating an enlarged prostate gland ( benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH ) are now being used. Laser therapy uses a laser beam to remove the part of the prostate that is blocking the urethra . The procedure is done under either a general or spinal anesthetic. Most men who have laser treatment of BPH are able to leave the hospital the same or the next day. While several laser methods are used, in general they all either sear (laser ablation) or vaporize (laser vaporization) the prostate tissue.
Studies comparing laser methods with transurethral resection of the prostate ( TURP ) have found that:
Other things to think about include the following:
Prostate surgery using a laser may not be available in all hospitals. Health ToolsHealth Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.
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Related InformationReferences
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ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofDecember 3, 2017
Current as of: December 3, 2017 Lourenco T, et al. (2008). Minimally invasive treatments for benign prostatic enlargement: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 337(7676): a1662-a1669.
Lourenco T, et al. (2008). Alternative approaches to endoscopic ablation for benign enlargement of the prostate: Systematic review of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 337(301): a449-a457.
Wilt TJ, N'Dow J (2008). Benign prostatic hyperplasia. Part 2-Management. BMJ, 336(7637): 206-210.
AUA Practice Guidelines Committee (2010). AUA guideline on management of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Chapter 1: Guideline on the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Available online: http://www.auanet.org/content/guidelines-and-quality-care/clinical-guidelines.cfm?sub=bph.
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