TRANSURETHRAL ULTRASOUND-GUIDED LASER-INDUCED PROSTATECTOMY (TULIP) -PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE

The TULIP system was the first apparatus designed specifically for las er ablation of the prostate. Laser energy is delivered under ultrasoun d guidance with the probe moved distally from the bladder neck at the rate of 0.5 to 1 mm/sec. The aim is to produce a deep level of coagula tion necrosis, Postoperatively, patients have a suprapubic catheter un til they can void comfortably. As of 1994, 2-year results showed a 69% reduction in the mean Boyarsky symptom score (N = 57) v 63% at 6 mont hs (N = 212) and a mean increase in the peak urine flow rate of 68% (N = 46) v 59% at 6 months (N = 195). At present, it is not clear whethe r TULIP will become commercially available in the United States.