title: Laser ablation of the prostate in patients with benign prostatic hypertrophy.
abstract: Seventeen patients with bladder neck obstruction due to benign prostatic hypertrophy have been treated with the Neodymium: YAG laser. We review our experience since the first patient was treated in September 1990. Using a prototype deflecting gold alloy tip on a quartz laser fibre (Lateralase TM), we ablated obstructing prostatic adenoma and constricting bladder neck tissue. Experience with this technique has enabled a patient population to be defined in whom laser therapy for prostatic obstruction may be effective. The treatment is relatively simple, speedy and attended by virtually no blood loss. Laser ablation therapy may offer some advantages over conventional transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in a selected subgroup of patients. The advent of new delivery systems may make laser ablation therapy a practical alternative to TURP.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology, St Vincent's Hospital, Fitzroy, Australia.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Costello
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Bowsher
authors.forename: D M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Bolton
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Braslis
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Burt
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011467:Prostate / Q000601:surgery; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D016055:Urinary Retention / Q000209:etiology