THE USE OF THE HOLMIUM LASER IN THE TREATMENT OF BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

The holmium wavelength (2.1 mu m) can be used for incision, ablation, and resection of prostate tissue. Four different techniques for the su rgical management of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) have evolved us ing the holmium laser either alone or in combination with Nd:YAG energ y, The results in 650 patients undergoing these procedures are present ed, The holmium laser has been used most recently to perform a transur ethral resection of the prostate in 381 patients to date. This procedu re appears to be the most efficient way of using the holmium laser for the removal of obstructing prostatic tissue.