Laser surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of lasers in the surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A literature review was conducted using the Medline database with the keywords prostate and laser. Various articles were selected to perform a narrative review focusing on the main risks associated with laser use in urology. RESULTS: The lasers used for the treatment of BPH include Ho:YAG, continuous or pulsed Tm:YAG, thulium fiber laser, Greenlight KTP or LBO laser, and diode lasers. Numerous surgical techniques, some specific to a given type of laser, are described in this review. Lasers provide outcomes comparable to other energy sources, with an advantageous profile in terms of peri- and postoperative complications. Lasers are therefore progressively establishing themselves as the reference energy, regardless of the surgical technique employed. CONCLUSION: Despite favorable results, further studies are required to better define the role of lasers in the surgical management of BPH, particularly through randomized controlled trials with long-term follow-up, which should help optimize treatment.