LASER COAGULATION PROSTATECTOMY - EVOLUTION OF CLINICAL-PRACTICE AND TREATMENT PARAMETERS

Laser coagulation prostatectomy has evolved into an accepted option fo r the management of bladder outlet obstruction secondary to benign pro static hyperplasia. Clinical results document the safety and efficacy of this operation. Rapidly expanding clinical experience and basic res earch efforts in recent years have provided a scientific foundation an d an improved qualitative understanding of the laser-tissue interactio ns during Nd:YAG laser coagulation of the prostate. Today, truly quant itative laser dosimetry is becoming available to guide the operative a pproaches to laser prostatectomy with the increasing variety of Nd:YAG delivery systems. The development of laser coagulation prostatectomy is traced to the present, and accumulated clinical experience and labo ratory data are incorporated into a rational approach to operative and perioperative patient management utilizing this technology.