title: Update on the use of diode laser in the management of benign prostate obstruction in 2014.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the status quo in respect of various diode lasers and present the techniques in use, their results and complications. We assess how these compare with transurethral resection of the prostate and other types of laser in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). When adequate RCTs were not available, case studies and reports were evaluated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Laser for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has aroused the interest and curiosity of urologists as well as patients. The patient associates the term laser with a successful and modern procedure. The journey that started with coagulative necrosis of prostatic adenoma based on neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has culminated in endoscopic "enucleation" with holmium laser. Diode laser is being used in urology for about 10 years now. Various techniques have been employed to relieve bladder outlet obstruction due to BPH.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The diode laser scenario is marked by a diversity of surgical techniques and wavelengths. We summarize the current published literature in respect of functional results and complications.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More randomized controlled studies are needed to determine the position and the ideal technique of diode laser treatment for BPH.
authors.affiliation: Department of Urology and Andrology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Muellner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020, Salzburg, Austria, l_lusuardi@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Lukas
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Lusuardi
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mitterberger
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hruby
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kunit
authors.forename: Birgit
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kloss
authors.forename: Paul F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Engelhardt
authors.forename: Manuela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sieberer
authors.forename: Günter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Janetschek
mesh_terms: D019468:Disease Management; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000379:methods; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011468:Prostatectomy / Q000379:methods*; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D001748:Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*