Holmium Laser Approaches to Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

The holmium laser is a well-established instrument in the treatment of a variety of urologic conditions. Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with the holmium laser has grown steadily over the past decade, with multiple studies demonstrating its role as an effective alternative to other transurethral and open surgical treatments of BPH. This review describes current surgical techniques that employ the holmium laser and surveys recent literature comparing holmium-based treatments with traditional transurethral techniques, with particular attention paid to holmium laser enucleation of the prostate. Recent studies continue to support the short- and long-term efficacy of holmium laser enucleation of the prostate and other holmium-based treatments, providing evidence for the laser's growing use in the treatment of benign obstruction. Transurethral surgery with the holmium laser endures as an effectual treatment for BPH that offers excellent, lasting functional outcomes with favorable short- and long-term morbidity when compared with conventional transurethral techniques. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.